Real Help

Compromise is everywhere. From elections to boardrooms, from marriage vows to financial schemes, worldly compromise is truly all around us. That’s why it’s so important for God’s people to take a stand against unholy compromise in to their lives. Whether it’s cheating on taxes, electing officials that don’t honour God or cheating on a spouse, compromise is never a good thing and always ends up bringing some kind of death (moral, marital or financial).

To discover what it is to live a holy life of integrity, you can look at Daniel. He is one of the best biblical examples of a person who refused to compromise. He experienced great hardship and persecution, and yet, he stood strong as a man of God. If you haven’t read the history of Daniel, be sure to do so. And as you do, remember these two lessons that you can apply to your life.

1. Live your life boldly regardless of what ungodliness surrounds you.

   “Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.” –Daniel 6:3

   Don’t fall for the logic that you must play the world’s games to get ahead in your work, your community or your church. Stand strong in your faith and and trust God to reward you just as He did Daniel.

2. Focus on God and become even stronger in your faith.

   “But when Daniel learnt that the law [forbidding him to pray to God] had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God…” Daniel 6:10

   When Daniel was forbidden to pray to God, he disobeyed the law and, instead, chose to honour God. It might seem like Daniel made a hard decision, but after a lifetime of remaining faithful to God, he didn’t waver. He knew the right decision and so will you. When you refuse to compromise and you stand steadfastly on the Word, you actually become stronger—so the next time a questionable decision needs to be made, you can make it. As long as you continue to study and meditate on God’s Word, recognising temptations and saying no to them become easier.

Daniel honoured God and because he did, regardless of what was happening around him, the Lord blessed him. You can learn from his example and apply it to your life too. When you do, you’ll be a person of integrity that the Lord can trust with small and big things.