In the previous article – ‘witness by living differently’ we looked at how as Christians we can be good witnesses by the way we conduct ourselves and resist some of the temptations that we are faced with. Let’s have a closer look at a few specific areas that we might need to think more carefully about when going out with friends and consider how to make wise decisions.
Alcohol
People have different views on alcohol consumption. You may have come from a background where people don’t drink and you may be faced with opportunities to drink for the first time, you may have grown up with a family that drinks in moderation or you may have a family where someone is an alcoholic. The way you have grown up will have an impact on how you view alcohol. God has given us alcohol to enjoy (Jesus turned water into the best wine[1]), and, like all God’s gifts, we are free to enjoy it but in moderation.
University culture is often one where alcohol plays a big role, especially in Freshers’ Week events and sports team initiations[2]. Drinking too much alcohol can be very dangerous for your health but even moderate amounts can reduce your inhibitions and cause you to make unwise decisions – particularly when it comes to relationships and sex. The more you drink the bigger the risks and the less aware you are of how much you are drinking. For this reason some people may opt not to drink alcohol at all.
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25v28
Self-control is referred to in the Bible as a key aspect of the Christian life and is part of the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians. Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol can make it much harder to maintain self-control.
Many people are also worried about the very real danger of drinks being spiked with extra alcohol or drugs and for this reason it is wise to buy your own drinks and never to leave them unattended.
Drugs
Availability of illegal drugs may be something you come across for the first time at university. Most people are aware of the physical risks of taking drugs. As with alcohol, you have a responsibility to look after the body which God has given you. Like alcohol, drugs have the ability to impair self-control.
There may be enormous pressure exerted by other students and you may unexpectedly find yourself in a situation where you might find it very hard to say “no”. If at all possible, stay away from situations where you know people might be taking drugs and have an escape plan if necessary. Don’t get caught up in illegal activity even if others try and persuade you that it’s not harmful.
Modesty
This is not a popular consideration and many people think we should be able to wear whatever we want regardless of what other people think. However, it is important to consider what messages your clothes might be sending to those around you. If you wear clothes that are very revealing, because they are too skimpy or too tight (this applies to both boys and girls), others around you might read that as you saying that you are available for sexual intimacy or you might cause others to have lustful thoughts. It’s important therefore to consider carefully what you wear – look nice by all means but think carefully.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12v2
Enjoy University life but do so wisely and exercise godly self-control, following God’s good ways and demonstrating the difference he makes to your life by the way you live.
[2] https://christiansinsport.org.uk/resources/askcis/how-do-i-approach-sports-team-initations/
