I suspect most of us have given in to the pressure of the crowd, and ended up doing things we knew were wrong—or at least unwise. But that doesn’t excuse it or make it right, and I’m glad you’re concerned about this. The Bible warns, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. … Do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd” (Exodus 23:2).

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you give in so easily? One reason may be because it’s simply easier to go along with the crowd. It takes courage to stand against what everyone else is doing. But if others are urging you to do wrong, are they really your friends? No, they aren’t, because they don’t have your best interests at heart. The Bible says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin” (Proverbs 18:24).

But I suspect there is another reason why you go along with the crowd: You don’t want to be rejected. Instead, you want them to like you and accept you, and you’re afraid that they won’t, if you refuse to go along with them.

What can you do? Begin by turning to Jesus Christ and giving your life to Him. You need His strength, and also need new friends who can help you follow Christ instead of the crowd. God loves you, and when you come to Christ you become part of His family forever. Once you understand how much He loves you, you’ll never worry about the crowd’s approval again.

Find your identity in Christ.