If everyone else jumped off a bridge...

 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene...Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness. The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will."  (2 Timothy) 

My mother taught me to think for myself. Among her frequent admonishments were, "You're the one who has to wear it," "Those girls aren't my daughters," and, most importantly, "Don't base your success on what others are doing; do the best you can do."  It was a good lesson for me as a teenager, but these days I have adapted that bit of advice to a slightly deeper standard: 

Don't base your success on what others are doing; do what God wills for you.

What God can do through us ALWAYS exceeds what we are able to do with our very best. This is a principle I operate on and one that has helped me to experience many blessings. So, consider these things:

• When someone treats you poorly, don't think about what they are doing. Think about the possibility you have to show the unconditional love of God. 
• When people are gossiping or engaging in "empty chatter" you know not to join in, but what do you do? Some may stand awkwardly, refusing to participate while others will simply walk away. Have you ever spoken up in love to put an end to the talk? It may not be the popular choice, but, then, God never promised us popularity... nor did He suggest that it was good. (Mark 8:34-35 “<Jesus said,> Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.)
• When you consider the state of your life, don't think, "Have I done everything I wanted to do by this point in life?...Should I be (married, having children, settled, etc.) by now?" Simply ask yourself this:
  
  
   "Am I living the life that God has prepared for me?"