Romario was an excellent, upright Christian athlete at his school, and though he was a new student, he had quickly become a favourite, especially to his fellow teammate Nicole. But lust had completely consumed Nicole and was now directing her every move. Totally oblivious of this, Romario had accepted her invitation to her birthday party as her special guest. He was nowhere suspicious when she quickly disappeared after pointing him to the bathroom, he had asked to use moments before his dad was set to collect him.
But as soon as he entered and locked the door behind him, he was shocked to discover Nicole barely clothed. Apparently, she had snuck in through an adjoining bedroom. Her grip on his wrist was tight as she began shoving him towards the bed.
In a split second, he regained his composure and his balance and restrain her roaming hands. “No, Nicole! I’m not interested, and this isn’t right!” He said firmly. But she persisted; she was intent on finishing what she had started. He mustered all his strength, pushed her away and sprinted through the door, down the stairs, and straight through the front entrance.
The blood was pounding in Romario’s head. He was trying to compose himself before his dad arrived, struggling to process what seemed to be an attack from a person he did not recognise at all.
Nicole was not to be dismissed; she began her smear campaign that same night. In a social media post, she announced that Romario had spoilt her birthday party, and as soon as she returned to school the following week, she began rumours that he was gay. The gossip spread like wildfire across the campus, and although several of his friends rallied behind him, as they knew it was a blatant lie, he was hurt by the betrayal.
A NEW OLD FRIEND
Nicole’s friend Christine tried to reassure him that he had done the right thing as a Christian. She also shared the many times she, too, had been ridiculed for her righteous stance—her being a virgin who boldly championed sexual purity since being mentored by the Passion and Purity team at her school.
The friendship with Christine was of tremendous support to Romario and was definitely one of the reasons he remained so calm when he bumped into Nicole that fateful day! He was able to calmly share with her how he initially felt about what she had done. She was very quiet at first, but the moment he said he forgave her, she blurted out how much she loved him and desired them to date.
Romario turned her down.
In a plain, yet compassionate manner, he outlined several reasons they could not have an intimate relationship. “I do not hate you, Nicole,” he said, resting his hand on her shoulder, “and I can still be your friend, but nothing more.” She backed away quietly. A tear streaming down her face said it all before she turned and briskly walked away.
Six months later, Nicole’s father was arrested on drug trafficking and gun charges, and the courts ordered all his businesses closed. The news went viral, sending Nicole into depression. Not long after, she broke her leg, which only plunged her deeper into depression, especially because it hindered her participation in tracks. She was admitted to the hospital, where she began reflecting on her life and how she needed to make some serious decisions.
A WATER-SHED MOMENT
The relationship between Romario and Christine was healthily growing into a best friendship while Nicole was hospitalised. They visited her sometimes, and on one such occasion, they were surprised to encounter a once-proud Nicole, sobbing away, apologising for her behaviour and the hurt it had caused Romario and so many others.
She confessed that she had been thinking of surrendering her life to Christ and was secretly jealous of Christine’s commitment to God. Romario and Christine melted, and joyful tears with prayers filled the ward. Their new sister-in-Christ promised to visit their church as soon as she could. Nicole not only honoured that promise, but she also joined the Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) club at their school.
Three months later, Romario was reflecting on what had transpired and how it had led to him finding a true friend in Christine. She loved him for who he was and admired him for his faith. He had never been happier in his life, and he was grateful to God for the journey; he had learned much more than he initially realised.
During the season of Champs, after intense preparations, he and Christine prayed together that God would use their lives to make a difference on the team. When it was time for them to compete, they ran with all their might, and Nicole cheered them on from the sidelines. Both won their races, received gold medals, and went off to the same college that summer with plans to continue their pursuit of careers in athletics, but above all else, honouring God, knowing that His track record of their lives was what mattered most.
So, what matters most to you? The cheers and approval of men or God?
Romario chose to maintain his purity at the expense of his reputation, demonstrating that he valued spiritual integrity over societal approval. You too will face trials that may cost you in the same manner or even different ways should you choose spiritual integrity.
What God knows of you is greater than what others think of you. Therefore, resolve in your heart to obey Him publicly and privately. Forget earthly reputation! What is written of you in heaven should be your main concern. If God has a good track record of you, then eternal rewards are guaranteed, which far outweigh any earthly treasure (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Hebrews 12:1-2).
Darien Callum is a member of Passion and Purity—a God-centered charity and para-church organisation, operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.