Dealing with Peer PressureDealing with Peer Pressure Living out our Faith Living out our Faith

St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox ChurchSt. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox ChurchSyracuse, NYSyracuse, NYYouth MeetingYouth Meeting

Let us think about this verseLet us think about this verse• Saint Paul writes in his epistle to the Saint Paul writes in his epistle to the

Christians in Philippi and says:Christians in Philippi and says:

•““Only let your conduct be Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ”worthy of the gospel of Christ”

What does the gospel tells us What does the gospel tells us about ourselvesabout ourselves• We are created in the image and likeness of GodWe are created in the image and likeness of God• We are of eternal value – God created us with the We are of eternal value – God created us with the

intent that we live an eternal lifeintent that we live an eternal life• We are called to become like Christ – St We are called to become like Christ – St

Athanasius says:Athanasius says:– ““God became man so that man may become a god”God became man so that man may become a god”

• We are temples of the Holy Spirit – God dwells in We are temples of the Holy Spirit – God dwells in usus

• We are given the amazing gift of partaking in the We are given the amazing gift of partaking in the body and blood of Christbody and blood of Christ

Important QuestionImportant Question• If we are really aware of all these If we are really aware of all these

blessings, our conduct should really blessings, our conduct should really reflect thisreflect this

• We are DIFFERENT – we are not of We are DIFFERENT – we are not of this world. We are actually called to this world. We are actually called to become the light of the worldbecome the light of the world

Peer PressurePeer Pressure• A big part of peer pressure is wanting to fit A big part of peer pressure is wanting to fit

in, and to be accepted and lovedin, and to be accepted and loved

• Peer pressure starts between first and fourth Peer pressure starts between first and fourth gradegrade

• It is not vitally important to be accepted and It is not vitally important to be accepted and liked by everyone. If you change everything liked by everyone. If you change everything about yourself to fit what others want you to about yourself to fit what others want you to be, then you are not you anymore.be, then you are not you anymore.

Dealing with peer pressureDealing with peer pressure• Find an adult that you trust and can be Find an adult that you trust and can be

open withopen with

• Value things other than being Value things other than being accepted by your peers. You must first accepted by your peers. You must first and foremost value yourself.and foremost value yourself.

• Choose your friends carefully !Choose your friends carefully !

Living out your faithLiving out your faith• Make sure you leave time for GodMake sure you leave time for God

• Try and take some time out of your day, even it is only Try and take some time out of your day, even it is only fifteen minutes to just relax and talk to Godfifteen minutes to just relax and talk to God

• One of the biggest responsibilities is to be true to One of the biggest responsibilities is to be true to yourself and stay firm in your beliefs and morals. You yourself and stay firm in your beliefs and morals. You will meet new people, and some may challenge your will meet new people, and some may challenge your morals and question your beliefs. So stay firm !morals and question your beliefs. So stay firm !

• Know your faith, and always be ready to give an answer Know your faith, and always be ready to give an answer to those who question you ! Know why you believe !!!to those who question you ! Know why you believe !!!

You are extremely strong in You are extremely strong in ChristChrist• Never be afraid, because you are Never be afraid, because you are

never alone – God is always with younever alone – God is always with you

• St. Paul says “I can do all things in St. Paul says “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me”Christ who strengthens me”

• The power of the saintsThe power of the saints

Living your faithLiving your faith• Christianity is all about loveChristianity is all about love

– Loving God from all your heart, Loving God from all your heart, soul, and understandingsoul, and understanding

– Loving your neighbor as yourselfLoving your neighbor as yourself

• Always remember these two Always remember these two things, and strive everyday to things, and strive everyday to follow the demands of lovefollow the demands of love