What Really Matters More Than Popularity?
Anya Startova
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
Matthew 19:16
As a teenager, I hear people talk all the time about being successful, getting money, looking good, and becoming popular. Social media makes it seem like life is all about having the right clothes, the right friends, or the perfect future plan. But when I read Matthew 19:16, it makes me stop and think deeper. The man asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” That question feels real to me because eternal life matters more than anything this world can offer.
Teens need a lesson on eternal life. John 17:3 gives me a starting point: Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. To know God is to know that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. This includes everyone in the student body. Yes, your sins. That was just the start. To know Jesus is to know that this Teacher will sit with you as you pray through life, homework, papers, and pop-up tests.
I’m learning that following Jesus is not just about acting good in front of people or checking off religious boxes. It’s about giving Him my heart, trusting Him, and choosing Him even when it’s hard. Sometimes, as teenagers, we struggle with pressure, fear, temptation, and wanting to fit in. But Jesus reminds me that nothing on earth is worth losing my relationship with God. So I’m willing to sit with my personal Teacher as He is near throughout the entire school day.
This scripture helps me realize that life is bigger than school, sports, relationships, or popularity. One day all of those things will fade, but eternity will last forever. I want my life to reflect someone who truly loves the most valuable Teacher of all time, Jesus. It took a minute, but I’m willing to follow Him no matter what others think.
I wonder what invaluable lesson He will teach me this summer. My expectations are mounting as we get closer to the end of the school year.
Have a great summer!
Reflection questions
What do you spend the most time thinking about right now, popularity, grades, sports, appearance, relationships, future plans, or your walk with God? What does that reveal about your priorities?
Do you treat Jesus as someone you only hear about at church, or as your personal Teacher who walks with you through real life, school stress, friendships, and decisions?
When you feel pressure to fit in, what helps you remember that your identity is found in Christ and not in other people’s opinions?
Is there an area of your life where you are trying to look good on the outside while struggling on the inside? What would honest surrender to Jesus look like there?
One challenge
This week, before school starts each day, spend three quiet minutes with Jesus as your Teacher. Ask Him, “What do You want to teach me today?” Pay attention to one moment where you feel pressure to fit in, react emotionally, compromise, or seek approval. In that moment, choose the response that reflects your faith instead of the crowd. At the end of the week, write down one lesson Jesus taught you that mattered more than anything social media or the world could offer.
Would you like to share your personal story from school on God’s impact on your life?