THE DECAY OF SIN

My name is Ella Johnson, and I'm from a close-knit family of three, raised in a very strict Christian home. I love Christ dearly, and my faith is a cornerstone of my life. At just seventeen years old, I finished high school and gained admission into the university to study medical laboratory science. As I stepped into the university, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The campus was vibrant, teeming with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Yet, I had a singular focus: to make my parents proud and, most importantly, to make Jesus proud. I was resolute in balancing academics and spiritual growth, knowing that my parents had always wanted me to be rooted and grounded in my faith, no matter where life took me. My days in school were filled with lectures, assignments, and fellowship meetings. I also joined a Christian club on campus, where I met like-minded students who shared my passion for Jesus. We would often gather for prayer sessions, Bible studies, and outreach programs. (Chuckled) Yes, this was the rhythm of my life in school – a blend of academic rigor and spiritual nourishment. Many might describe it as uneventful, but little did they know that those months spent focusing on God and my studies intensely shaped my spiritual and academic life. I became closer to God than ever before, clinging to Him like there was no one else. It was as it should be, anyway. I also seized the opportunity to learn and focus on my studies without distractions. Soon, I emerged as the best in my department, with everyone talking about my impressive scores in a test that had left others struggling. Students from my department flocked to me, eager to befriend the "genius" who had aced the test. I walked with a sense of pride and importance, convinced that I was the epitome of excellence – academically and aesthetically. There was this particular girl who would visit me and even bring gifts, hoping to win my friendship. She was a kind, peaceful, and loving soul, but I was too caught up in my own perceived superiority. One fateful day, I shouted at her, telling her that we could never be friends because she wasn't from a wealthy home. She cried bitterly and ran back to her hostel. I consoled myself, thinking that I had nothing to lose – after all, I had plenty of boys and girls clamoring to be my friend. I saw a man with a shining light on a white garment, trying to caution me against pride, which isn't part of the fruit of the Spirit. He warned me that I was on the verge of ruining my life if I didn't discern. I shouted back, "Why do you always make Christianity look like condemnation? I've always been a girl looked down upon, everyone has tagged me as the girl who doesn't have anything going on for her, and now that I'm about to shine, you're still trying to limit me. I love you so much, but I also want to shine, I also want to be known..." He didn't let me finish and threw me into the fire he had prepared. I shouted, "Nooooo!"... and then I woke up. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. I tried to do my morning devotion, kneeling down to pray, but my mind kept wandering back to the dream. I cried and prayed, seeking guidance. After my devotion, I stood up and got dressed for church. I wore a stunning white gown with a delicate belt that accentuated its fit, paired with white heels. I felt like the epitome of elegance and beauty. As I walked into church, I heard people whispering, "This is Ella Johnson, the best student in the medical laboratory department. Oh my God, she's not only brilliant but also beautiful and elegant!" I smiled inwardly as I took my seat. The service began with opening prayers, followed by the praise and worship section, and then the sermon of the day. The topic was "Living like Jesus above every distraction," and it was incredibly powerful. The sermon resonated deeply with me, and I felt a sense of conviction. The service ended with the closing prayer, and as I exited the church, people gathered around me, complimenting me on my academic achievements. I smiled softly and tried to politely extricate myself. That's when I felt a gentle touch on my wrist, and a soft voice asked, "Can you give me your number?" I turned to him, took his phone, and typed in my number. With a smile, I handed his phone back and headed home, feeling like the queen of the campus.