Have you ever been confronted or faced with a decision that was going to make or break you?
There are times in our lives that we are placed in a position to compromise, stretch the truth (which is lying), or not give in to the status quo. How about lying for your boss or manager when they say, “Tell them I am not here" or “I’m in a meeting as they are in front of you sipping coffee!” Or maybe there are a couple of co-workers caught up in an affair and now they need an alibi to cover up!
These are real-life challenges when we get pulled into compromising situations and we are suddenly trapped to defend them. Now your reputation, character, and integrity are on the line.
It takes courage and wisdom to do the right thing! It may cost you a lot like being threatened with losing your job or having a strained relationship with a longtime coworker or friendship.
The three Hebrew boys faced King Nebuchadnezzar and were threatened with their life to be thrown into the fiery furnace because they did not bow to his commands to worship him. Their heart was committed to worshipping the One True God. They were willing to risk their lives because of the love they had for God. They also believed and trusted the Lord that somehow God would make a way even if thrown into the furnace.
“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” -Daniel 3:16-18, 24-25 NIV
Guess what? God did make a way for not compromising and they had the courage and commitment to stand up for their convictions and beliefs to do what was right. King Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man in the fire with them. It is believed it was Jesus walking in the fire with them. Their clothes were not burned, not a hair was singed, and God delivered them! (Daniel 3).
Whatever you are facing today or the challenges to compromise, My Friend, the best thing you can do is trust the Lord to do the right thing even if there is a price to pay, but don’t allow it to be at your expense. I promise you the Lord will have something better in store for you and you will be a better person.
This may come against the grain of many, but it is a principle to live by. When we let our peers influence our character in a negative light, we stand for nothing and have no backbone because we are tested to see what we are made of. It is always reassuring to look into the mirror each day and know you did the right thing.
Remember, even if you fail at the moment there is forgiveness with the Lord and others to make things right.
Have a good weekend, My Friend.
Pastor Andy Provitola