Fitting In The Box – Compromising

Is peer pressure forcing your teens into a box? Do you see a pattern of “cookie cutter” teens coming through your ministry?

Getting teens to open up and express themselves isn’t always as easy as most people think. We’ve all heard people say that teens over-express themselves but are they really expressing “their” own ideas and expression? Or are they showing the image others have of them?

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Large boxes that teenagers can fit into (at least 2)

1. Divide into two teams evenly.

2. Place the box about 10 to 20 feet away from each team (relay style).

3. When you say “go!” the first person on each team runs to the box and tries to fit as much of their body into the box.

4. Once the player has squeezed into the box, they get out and run back to their team. The second person then follows suit.

5. The team that finishes first, wins.

* Before a “fit” in the box to count, the box bottom must be flat on the floor. Adult volunteers can help oversee this.

* Extra boxes are helpful incase boxes get damaged while teens are climbing in and out of them.

DISCUSSION:

1. What are some “boxes” you’re expected to fit into in your surroundings and culture?

2. Have you ever had to fit into a “box” that was a painful fit? Explain.

3. In what ways do people change themselves to be accepted?

4. Why is being accepted more important than being ourselves?

5. What happens when someone doesn’t fit in?

SCRIPTURES:

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Mark 8:35-37 – For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Exodus 23:2 – Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd…

* Encourage your teens to step out of the “box” and be all that God calls them to be. Remind your teens that none of them were made from the same mold. If God took the time to place each hair on their head, the least they could do is find their own path and follow the crowd.

Tags: Kids and Teens, Peer pressure, Teen Life, teenagers, Youth