No Excuse for Compromise

Verse of the day: Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

There are many excuses that we can come up, and use, to justify compromising our faith. I’ll say up front that there is no valid excuse, and when we do compromise our faith, we are doing so by choice. We all have different convictions, and that is fine, if those convictions are based on God’s Word, and not pushed on someone else with different convictions. However, there are black and white truths that ought not to be compromised. Daniel was just one example of a man who chose to live for God, and refused to compromise his faith and relationship with God. Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) were in Babylonian captivity, and being asked to compromise their diet (contrary to the dietary laws given to Moses). These young men found themselves living in a culture that was contrary to the culture and religion they knew as God’s people. They are now at a crossroad of having to decide whether to allow themselves to be defiled by accepting the foods being offered (and ordered) to consume or take a stand as God’s men. This is no different today, as we live in this world whose system is contrary to everything God says is acceptable, and morally right. We often face the choice of compromising our faith by choosing to live like the world, rather than live a life that is clearly separated unto God (in our speech, attitude, and moral compass). We can learn a lot and apply what Daniel did, in this instance, to our own process of taking a stand for our faith, and for our God. Keep in mind that Daniel was now away from home, in captivity, under the authority of a gentile king and nation, and stood the chance of losing an opportunity to be elevated within the government of that nation (for his righteous stand God ultimately elevated him). Sadly, today, too many Christians compromise their faith for the sake of keeping a “good paying, important, job”, even if that job requires dishonest and morally corrupt practices. Like Daniel, when we are first confronted with a challenge to our faith, we must decide what a true conviction is (one we are willing to die for), and what we are not willing to compromise. Before he approached his companions or the eunuch who was given charge over them, he made up his mind what his stand would be. We must then trust that if we are truly seeking to live godly, god honoring lives, God will honor our position and give us favor with those we will have to deal with (Dan 1:9). So was the case with Joseph when he was enslaved and later imprisoned; God gave him favor with his master and later the jailor (Gen 39:4, 21). Next, unlike today’s approach to protesting, Daniel was respectful and courteous in his protest. He trusted that God would guide him, and therefore felt no need to be rude, confrontational or lead a destructive rebellion to make his request or try to accomplish his goal. We can accomplish so much more if we would just trust God to go before us, and being careful to protect our testimony for Jesus. Daniel knew that his request would require self-denial, and self-control, on his part. He had to be ready to be called all kinds of names, and withstand false accusations, without lashing out. What happens today when we take a stand for Jesus and what we believe? We are called bigots, narrow minded, often lose friendships, and may even be forsaken by family. This is all part of counting the cost for our refusal to compromise with the world. Lastly, Daniel was willing to be tested, and have his faith tested. If we are going to take a stand for what we say we believe, we must be willing to allow ourselves and our faith to be tested, trusting that God is with us and will never let us down. Ultimately, God will prove Himself to be faithful, and will not allow us to be shamed, if we are taking an honest stand for what is right. May we, as God’s children, as born again believers, be found to be bold in our stand, and being steadfast in our beliefs, as Daniel, Noah, and Job (Eze 14:14, 20). All to the glory of God!

Although tempted, and offered a shortcut, by Satan, in respect to inheriting His Kingdom, Jesus did not compromise, but carried out His Father’s plan (Matt 4). Let us not compromise and cut a deal with the devils and this world system. Instead call upon Jesus, received eternal life, and live the life that God has planned for you. Repent of, confess your sins, call upon Him, in faith, and be saved (Rom 6:23; 10:9; 13).