How To Deal With Worldly People

[AnglicanPeace]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

 

[messianist]

Stay away from them.

 

[Dansiph]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Psalm 1 King James Version
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I thought this Psalm might help. Also if I can ask, what is wrong with being fit?

 

[Serving Zion]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

You can only be saying that if you have already been looked down upon by them, that they are mocking God in their hearts. It is only because they are ignorant of the value of righteousness, so their philosophy makes them contentious to think that you are wasting your life by not going after all the gratification that you can while you have the opportunity (1 Peter 4:4, James 4:14). So it might call for endurance to ignore the insults of the ignorance, while you stay focused on the goal of our faith, and God will do the rest of the work of strengthening your knowledge of the value of righteousness so that you will have the right words to remain firm in your convictions (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

 

[ReesePiece23]

Rebel, rebel, rebel.

If you're a man, grow your beard long, scruffy and wild. Wear colours that don't coordinate and shoot from the heart when you speak (even if your voice shakes).

If you're a woman, do all of the above. Minus the beard, obviously.

 

[Hazelelponi]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

There are a few things you've listed that are either Godly, or simply not worldly.

Fitness is for good health, and whether your Christian or not, being fit and in good health is a positive thing. It's not Godly to be in intentionally poor health. We should always seek to be in the best of health (the best possible for us) so that we are able to carry on Gods purposes in this life. (If you cant make it up a flight of stairs you couldn't exactly be a missionary in Peru, for instance)

Being respectable can also be quite Godly. To be known as being an upright and moral person is a positive thing and something we should strive for so that our God is seen in the best of lights.

Getting married and having children is Godly. The first command given to humans was to procreate, and God created woman as a helpmeet for man. Nothing wrong with marriage and procreation, its definitely not sinful, worldly behavior. Sinful and worldly is fornicating with everything that moves, never taking a wife and killing any potential offspring from the encounters.

Seeking pleasure. Entertainment is not necessarily sinful. People who think we should have zero enjoyment in life are going to unnecessary extremes. We can have some enjoyment and pleasure, its a matter of not allowing worldly pleasures to take center stage or take the place of God in our lives.

The biblical saying is all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial for us (or wording close to this). This means we should pay attention to what we are doing and make sure we do the most beneficial things for us, and sometimes that beneficial thing is to exercise, eat right, get outdoors and take a break from the harsh realities of life and just relax.

We cant let the world take Gods place in our hearts, or stop believing and living for Christ, but we have to find a balance where we are doing the beneficial thing for our hearts minds and spirits. Its not all work work work. God is not a harsh task master. That one is Satan.

So, when the world tells you to stop believing in God, you stand your ground. When other Christians try and advice you to take it a little easier on yourself and see or even partake in the good things God has given us, then you might want to consider those words of wisdom are being given from God through other Christians who love you.

What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment?

 

[eleos1954]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Romans 12
Contemporary English Version
2 Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.

Colossians 3
New Living Translation
23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ephesians 5:8
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Philippians

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Colossians 2:20-23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

If you are able to maintain your relationship with Christ ... witness to them ... if you are being pulled away from Christ because of them then don't be around them.

God Bless.

 

[bekkilyn]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Spend time in prayer and talk to God a lot to know what his will for you is. Once you are on his path, no one is going to be able pressure you off of it with all the status-seeking, "American Dream" white picket fence, married with 2.5 and everyone else is doing it, sort of thing.

Now if this is stuff that's primarily going on at holiday events when you see certain family members once a year, just smile and nod at whatever annoying things they say or do until the event is over, and then go about your life as usual.

 

[Sketcher]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Who's pressuring you? Friends, family, or strangers? When they try and pressure you, what do they seem to want for you? Often, worldliness is seen as a means to a good end, which is why it is such a trap. What we need to do is get the good end God's way, and derive our identity and purpose from being born-again followers of Jesus. Don't be prickly or hostile, but have that deep-down conviction that the inviolable truth of the Gospel and following Jesus is your life.

For me, music has helped. The kind I'm into, both Christian and non-Christian songs reinforce it. More in the spoiler if you're interested:

Spoiler

A song from a Christian band that changed my outlook on it years ago:

There is no reason why you should hide what you believe in
Don´t be ashamed to speak and shine your light before men
Take every chance to let them know why you´re living
It is the Way, Truth and Life that you will be giving

Stand up for your maker, hold your ground
Stand up for your maker, and be proud
´Cause it´s time to take a stand

I am not proud because of anything that I've done
My only pride is in Him, I have been called His son

Stand up for your maker, hold your ground
Stand up for your maker, and be proud
´Cause it´s time to take a stand

Stand up for your maker
Stand up for your maker
Stand up for your maker
Stand up for your maker

Stand up for your maker, hold your ground
Stand up for your maker, and be proud
´Cause it´s time to take a stand
-----
Here's one from a secular band that I have found helpful. While I do not endorse all their stuff, I find this song to be one of their positive, encouraging ones that strengthens my faith. I'm italicizing the lyrics that most apply:

You want to see me fail
You won't get your chance
You want to see me fail
You won't get your chance
You'll never get your chance

This is our lives
This is who we are
You can't put a price on it
It's strength within our hearts

From within our souls
Stood strong throughout the years
This runs through our veins
We stay true to ourselves

You want to see me fail
You won't get your chance
You want to see me fail
You won't get your chance
You'll never get your chance

Who are you to judge us?
Who are you to condemn?
I have respect, honor and dedication
For my family and friends

From within our souls
Stood strong throughout the years
This runs through our veins
We stay true to ourselves

You want to see me fail
You won't get your chance
This is deeper than blood
Its all we have

PROVEN

 

[Andrew77]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Well, you could turn into a hermit like me. I have virtually no contact with the outside world. People suck. I stay away from them.

 

[BNR32FAN]

How do I deal with people who pressure me to do what society wants instead of what God wants: be fit, vain, into status, try to earn respect, be successful just for sake of it?, get married, have kids, seek pleasure, have fun, hang out, stop believing in God?

Don’t worry about what other people want. If they’re trying to pressure you just say no thanks I’m not down with the whole burn for all eternity thing.

 

[BNR32FAN]

You can only be saying that if you have already been looked down upon by them, that they are mocking God in their hearts. It is only because they are ignorant of the value of righteousness, so their philosophy makes them contentious to think that you are wasting your life by not going after all the gratification that you can while you have the opportunity (1 Peter 4:4, James 4:14). So it might call for endurance to ignore the insults of the ignorance, while you stay focused on the goal of our faith, and God will do the rest of the work of strengthening your knowledge of the value of righteousness so that you will have the right words to remain firm in your convictions (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

Amen good advice. By doing this you will be a light to those who are still in darkness.