Growing up in a world where compromise is the norm and standing firm in faith feels like swimming against the tide. I know this firsthand. Having spent ten years away from home in boarding schools and colleges, I was constantly surrounded by influences that could have easily pulled me away from my faith—drinking, smoking, and chasing after other worldly pleasures.
90% of my friends were into such activities, and I won’t lie—I had strong urges to do the same. The temptation was real. But something within me kept me from giving in. Not because I was stronger, but because I was anchored.
The truth is, living a godly life isn’t about isolating yourself—it’s about having such deep roots in Christ that no storm can uproot you. Many say that you are judged by the company you keep, and I agree to an extent. People are quick to assume that you are just like those you hang out with. But I found balance. I never cut off my friends just because they made different choices, but I also never let their choices dictate mine. Instead of being influenced, I chose to be an influence.
At the heart of it all, I realized that most of my peers indulged in these habits not because they loved them, but because they wanted validation. They wanted to fit in, to be accepted, to be seen as “cool.” Maybe I didn’t need it. Maybe I found my validation in something greater. When you are confident in your identity in Christ, you stop needing the approval of people who are still searching for their own identity.
That doesn’t mean the journey was easy. There were moments of loneliness, times when I wondered if I was missing out. I won’t pretend I never questioned my choices. But every time I faced that inner battle, I reminded myself: temporary pleasure isn’t worth long-term regret. And every time I chose to stay firm, I felt a deeper sense of peace, a satisfaction that no party or drink could give.
People eventually began to notice. Some teased me, some admired me, and some—when life hit them hard—came to me for advice. It showed me that standing firm isn’t just about personal conviction; it’s about being a light for others. Jesus didn’t avoid sinners rather ate with them, but He also never became like them. That was my goal—not separation, but transformation.
I also learned the power of community. Even if I was the only one in my immediate circle living this way, I wasn’t alone. I found strength in Christian groups, online faith communities, and mentors who reminded me why I was on this path. Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation; we need each other to stay strong.
Of course, the world will always push back. Not everyone will understand your choices, and some might distance themselves. But isn’t that what Jesus said would happen? “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). The world pressures us to conform, but true strength is found in standing firm. And in the end, even those who criticize you will respect you for staying true to yourself.
I learned that being different isn’t a weakness; it’s a calling. If you claim to be a Christian, your life should reflect it. Not in arrogance, but in authenticity. I didn’t need to preach to my friends; my life itself became a testimony. They saw that I didn’t need alcohol to have fun, I didn’t need a reckless lifestyle to feel alive, and I didn’t need to chase after temporary highs to feel complete. And slowly, some of them began questioning their own choices.
College life is chaotic, and without a solid foundation, it’s easy to drift. That’s why I held onto prayer and God’s Word. Even when I was tired, even when I was busy, I made time for God even if it was just a small conversation with Him. The more I fed my spirit, the less appealing the world’s temptations became.
Finally, we were never called to blend in. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). If you find yourself standing alone, then so be it. One light in darkness is enough to make a difference. Also, to my fellow Gen Z believers: Don’t just go with the flow—be the wave that changes direction. Stand out, live boldly, and let your faith be the loudest testimony in a world that desperately needs truth.
You were made to shine. So, shine.
