A: The transition between Elementary School to High School is tough. I can certainly understand why your friend would choose this time to "re-invent" herself.
Firstly, it is important to understand and accept our identity in Christ. Meaning, we are God's children and we are accepted and loved by Him. I know that sounds like the cliche thing to say, but it's true. Once we have this concept down pact, it gives us amazing confidence that we are set apart from the world. It also enhances our relationship with God by knowing that we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27).
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We are created for a purpose. Each of us have been intricately crafted by our Father and our identity must rest in the One who has saved us: Jesus Christ. This passage says that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared us to do. This means that our purpose in life is not to please others or make sure that our friends don't exclude us.
Having said that, I would warn your friend that being likable does not mean that we conform ourselves to other people just so that they will like us an include us in activities. If those friends are doing something that goes against my faith, I would refrain from doing it, even if it makes me "unlikable". On the other hand, if her attitude has been negative and that is the cause of her friends excluding her, than she should reflect on it and see if it is something she should change.
Whatever the case, please do continue to encourage her to stay true to herself and rooted in Christ. Whatever she does in her life it must have the foundation of God.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
