International Student Edition

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Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”–1 Corinthians 15:33

Many of us have heard this verse over and over again yet we sometimes fall into the trap of compromising our values for friendship sake. I remember as an international student living in college dorms, I was tempted at various times to lower my Christian standards just because I needed company.

I was seventeen and half when I left home to study in Canada, I didn’t know anyone and no one knew me. I felt soooooo alone! Life in the dorms was definitely different to what I was accustomed to: The girls partied A LOT. I remember one morning seeing my neighbor lying on the bathroom floor throwing up, I thought she was sick so I panicked and asked if I could help her get up and clean up, and she just replied: “Oh, don’t worry, I just had too much alcohol!” You can imagine this was the kind of lifestyle that prevailed in the dorms.

On one hand, I was alone and badly needed company, I wanted to get out and associate myself with the girls.  On another hand, choosing to be with the dorm girls meant that I had to compromise my faith in Christ and follow their habits: cussing, drinking, partying, fornicating, etc. Bad company does indeed corrupt good character and it’s up to us to discern whether we want to follow God wholeheartedly or partially. As international students, you’ll find a thousand and one temptations on and off campus that will challenge your faith, but the decision is left to you whether or not you will give the devil a foothold. Always seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit who can help you overcome, submit to the Father by obeying His Word, and consequently you’ll be capable to resist the devil (James 4:7). Stay firm, stay strong, stay pure ladies, may the Lord give you the grace to persevere till the end.