Stand Strong: Teaching Children to Follow Jesus Even When Others Don't

Children face choices every day. Sometimes those choices are simple, like sharing a toy or taking turns. Other times they are more challenging, especially when friends encourage them to do something they know is wrong.

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we have the opportunity to teach children that following Jesus is not about following the crowd—it is about following God's truth.

One of the most important heart skills children can develop is the courage to stand strong when others choose differently.

What Does It Mean to Stand Strong?

Standing strong means choosing to obey God even when it feels difficult.

It means loving others the way Jesus loves us while remaining faithful to God's commands.

Standing strong does not mean being rude, arguing, or acting like we are better than others. Instead, it means showing courage, kindness, and confidence while making godly choices.

God encourages His people with these words:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Children need to know that courage is not the absence of fear.

Courage is choosing to do what is right because God is with us.

Watch the "Stand Strong" Role-Play Video

In this role-play lesson, children learn that following Jesus sometimes means making a different choice than their friends.

Through relatable situations and discussion, children discover how courage, obedience, and self-control help them make godly choices even when it feels difficult.

Standing Strong Means Obeying God

One way children can stand strong is by remembering God's commandment to love others as Jesus loves us. Sometimes that means refusing to join in when others are being unkind. Other times it means telling the truth when it would be easier to lie.

Following Jesus is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the best choice.

When children understand that obedience is an act of love toward God, they begin learning how to make decisions based on God's truth rather than what others expect from them.

Jesus Teaches Us to Follow Truth, Not the Crowd

Children naturally want to belong. They want friends to like them and often enjoy doing what everyone else is doing.

However, following Jesus sometimes means making a different choice.

When children learn that God's truth is their guide, they begin developing discernment—the ability to recognize right from wrong and choose wisely.

"The wise in heart are called discerning." — Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)

Teaching children to ask questions such as:

• Is this loving?

• Is this honest?

• Does this honor God?

• Would Jesus want me to do this?

  
  

Helps them build a foundation for making wise decisions throughout life.

The Holy Spirit Helps Us Make Wise Choices

The good news is that children do not have to stand strong alone.

When we place our faith in Jesus, God gives believers the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and help us.

The Holy Spirit helps us:

• Recognize right from wrong

• Show self-control

• Make wise decisions

• Speak kindly

• Choose courage over fear

When children learn to pray and ask God for help, they begin understanding that God's strength is greater than their own.

Heart Skills We Can Build

Courage

Choosing what is right even when it feels difficult.

Discernment

Learning to recognize wise choices and unhealthy influences.

Self-Control

Managing emotions and actions instead of simply doing whatever feels good in the moment.

Listening

Paying attention to God's truth and the guidance of trusted adults.

Confidence

Knowing that God is with us and helps us make good choices.

Everyday Ways Children Can Practice Standing Strong

Saying "No" Respectfully

Children can learn that they do not have to follow friends into unkind or inappropriate behavior.

Examples:

• "No thank you. I don't want to do that."

• "I think we should make a different choice."

• "Let's do something kind instead."

  
  

Teaching children respectful responses helps them learn that standing strong can be both firm and loving.

Choosing Honesty

It can be tempting to lie when telling the truth feels difficult.

Standing strong means choosing honesty because God values truth.

Speaking Kindly

Children can learn to avoid joining in when others tease, exclude, or speak unkindly.

Instead, they can choose words that encourage and help.

Praying Before Making Choices

Teaching children to pause and pray helps them remember that God is always available to guide them.

A simple prayer might be:

"Jesus, help me make a choice that honors You."

Role-Play Ideas for Home and Classroom

Friends Encouraging Unkind Behavior

One child suggests excluding another child from a game. Practice ways to kindly include everyone.

Choosing Honesty

A child accidentally breaks something and must decide whether to tell the truth.

Praying Before a Choice

A child is unsure what to do and pauses to pray before making a decision.

Speaking Kindly While Standing Firm

A child respectfully says "no" to joining in teasing or gossip.

These role-play opportunities help children practice godly responses before they face real-life situations.

By practicing these scenarios in a safe environment, children gain confidence in making wise choices and learn that following Jesus is not always about doing what everyone else is doing—it is about doing what is right in God's eyes.

Discussion Questions

After watching the Stand Strong role-play video, ask:

• What does it mean to stand strong?

• Why is it sometimes difficult to make the right choice?

• How can we obey God?

• What can we do when others pressure us to do something that goes against God's Word?

• How can the Holy Spirit help us make wise choices?

• What are some respectful ways to say "no"?

• How can we show kindness while standing firm?

A Final Thought

God never asks us to follow Him alone.

When children learn to love others like Jesus, listen to God's truth, and depend on the Holy Spirit for help, they begin developing the heart skills needed to stand strong in every season of life.

As we teach courage, discernment, self-control, listening, and confidence, we are helping children build more than social-emotional skills—we are helping them learn how to faithfully follow Jesus.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

May we encourage children to stand strong, choose wisely, and trust that God is with them wherever they go.