When the pressure comes on, and we
are tested in life, one thing we are tempted to compromise upon is our values.
In anxiousness we consider it more favourable to not be so insistent. But when
it’s a question of values—real good virtuous values—we tread the tight rope of
personal treason when we make certain concessions.
When we know our values and we are
wise enough to hold to them, whilst adapting as much as we should to our
situations, we are blessed in the long-term, despite the pain in the
short-term.
Like the buddy who recently told
me how he had been asked to join a company that he found out didn’t live up to
its values—values my friend could align to. Sensing their inauthentic manner he
decided to deliberate and do some more research. It was a good offer on the
table. But he had an awkward feeling in his gut. When it was confirmed in his
mind that this company broke its own rules he decided to politely reject the
offer. Financially he was worse off. But his integrity remained intact.
Sometimes short-term comfort
provides long-term problems.
Never Compromising on Values
It may seem inflexible to say, and even somewhat stubborn, but
something we ought to never compromise on is our values—our Christian values of
things like honesty, respect, kindness, grace, diligence, and patience.
Values are like the fruit of the Spirit, but we are to feed on them as much as we are to demonstrate
them. We feed on peace to live more peacefully. We nurture joy in our hearts so
we will experience more joy. As we practice patience it begins to work in our
lives.
What we install in our hearts will
inevitably spill over into our lives. Scriptures like Matthew 12:34 and
Proverbs 4:23 highlight the fact that our hearts are the wellspring of life. If
we invest in values that please God, seeking them to be seated deeply within
us, God will bless us by the acquisition of them. Then it would be pointless to
compromise on these values.
The Effect of Compromising on Values
Do we compromise or not compromise?
That is often the question that runs unconsciously within us.
The effect of compromising on
values is insidious and vast. If we compromise on such an important thing as
our values we will end up in all sorts of inner conflict, whether we deny it or
not. This is how anxiety gets free reign. Inner conflict, because our values
have been betrayed, proves destructive. Mental ill-health can result.
Once we are open to compromise on
values we will be open again; the floodgates of our hearts are ajar. If we have
compromised once, it won’t be the last time. We always promise “just this
once!” But it’s amazing how capricious we are when we drop our guard.
The effect of holding to our
values may prove difficult in the short-term, but it proffers us peace and protects
our integrity for the longer term.
***
Holding to our values of virtue is
one of the secrets of the abundant life. Where we may be blessed to compromise
relationally, we are cursed to compromise on our godly values. A merciful,
just, and humble heart is a happy heart, complete in integrity.
© 2012 S. J. Wickham.
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