I'm not the most popular guy in school. Is there anything wrong with this?
—Name Withheld
It’s absolutely OK to be unpopular. In fact, playing the popularity game often does more harm than good, causing otherwise smart teens to make some pretty dumb choices: lowering standards, compromising values, hurting others, taking stupid risks.
In all honesty, popularity ranks pretty low on God’s list of stuff He wants us to pursue in life. Come to think of it, becoming popular doesn’t even make His list!
Look closely at the life of the world’s ultimate man: Jesus Christ. The Bible describes Him as one who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). And in spite of the many times Jesus reached out to others, people often rejected Him. During His ministry on Earth, He had a bad reputation — bad enough to get Him nailed to a cross.
OK, with all that said, I know what you’re thinking: You’re describing the all-powerful King of the Universe — who really doesn’t need popularity. I’m an ordinary human being who merely wants to survive high school!
True, it doesn’t feel good to be overlooked, left out or rejected by the crowd. We all want to be accepted, even if we aren’t popular. So, here’s what I suggest you do:
1. Focus on one true friend. Instead of trying to be popular among a 100 people, develop a solid friendship with at least one trustworthy person — someone who will stand by you and accept you just as you are.
2. Never try to be someone you’re not — or force yourself to do something you can’t. Whether you realize it or not, God made you an awesome and unique individual. Stand strong in the strengths and talents He gave you.
3. Repeat after me: “I’m NOT weird because I don’t hang out with the popular crowd.” It doesn’t matter if you’re not a star athlete or if you don’t date the most beautiful girl on campus.
HEY MIKE! I’m 17, and I really want to know God’s plan for my life. Any clues on how I can learn what it is?
—D.H., Whiawa, Hawaii
Figuring out God’s will is a little like backpacking.
I’m sure the guys who join us on Breakaway’s Summit Adventure would agree, it’s not very smart to set foot on a trail unless you’re prepared. And you never backpack alone. Not only do you need a partner and the right gear — especially a map and a compass — you also have to know the terrain. Many wilderness trails break off into dozens of different directions, so it’s easy to get confused. But if you lay out a plan and set some goals before you begin your trip, you’ll be able to stay on course — and out of danger.
Your relationship with Christ is a lot like a wilderness journey. And at this stage of your life, you’re preparing for the big adventure ahead. In order to know God’s will for your life — especially which path to follow — you’ve got to take three important steps:
1. Study your map — the Bible. God’s Word not only gives lots of great instruction (Psalm 119:105), but it helps you to discover the kind of man God wants you to be.
2. Trust your compass — the Holy Spirit. Pray right now, asking God how He wants to use you. And later, if you’re lost on the trail and don’t know which way to go, talk to the God who made the mountains and the trees. He sees what we won’t see, and He can help you make your path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. Train with like-minded trailmates — the church. This is vital to learning about the terrain you’ll face in life, as well as the right direction to follow. 
