Popularity vs Righteousness

As I read the passage and the reflection in the English SENA, I couldn't help but think of the students we teach. Everyday, we are exposed to the ways of this world we live in and oftentimes we do not realize the power or influence the world has on our lives. Our students face a number of temptations in their daily lives, where the "popular" ideas are often far from the "righteous" ones. I remember having such a struggle when I was their age, making the wrong decisions just because I wanted to be popular. It was a while before I realized that I was impressing the wrong people, that I shouldn't live my life to please others around me, but to live it in way that pleases God. Even though I know this now, it is still difficult at times when my desires conflict with what's right before God. This is more difficult when I know that my relationship with God is not at its best because it is harder to hear His voice in my life. Because of this, I am motivated to spend more time with God on a daily basis, but I know that I need others to keep me accountable!