Pastor Mark Hopper

We are continuing to study the Old Testament book of Ezra on Sunday mornings at our church. I noticed several practical lessons in chapter four that seem to easily apply to our lives today.
You may be in business or education. You may be married or single. You may be a politician or a business professional. It seems like these principles can apply to almost anyone of any age.
First, don’t compromise your values and convictions. In this fourth chapter of Ezra, the Jewish people faced an important decision. Will they compromise their convictions or stick to their core values?
How often have we warned our teenagers to not go with the crowd or give in to peer pressure? How often have you faced a difficult decision in your business or personal life that may involve compromising your convictions?
If you compromise, you may regret it later. If you stick to your core values, you will rarely regret it.
Second, expect opposition and criticism. In Ezra chapter four, the Jewish people declined the offer from others to help with the re-building of their Temple. Immediately, these friends turned into foes. They tried to hinder and stop the progress on the new Temple.
When you try to stick to your values and not compromise, you should expect to be criticized. Some people won’t understand why you won’t go along with the crowd. Business associates may question your loyalty to the company when you refuse to follow the new policy that you feel goes against your values.
Third, expect delays and difficulties. When you stick to your core values, you may face a bumpy road ahead. In Ezra chapter four, those who opposed their effort hired lobbyists and lawyers to try to stop their progress.
Often we hear in the news today of groups that oppose a new freeway, new housing development or new shopping center. They will hire lawyers and experts to prevent a new project from being completed.
Certainly we need to study and evaluate how a new freeway or housing development will impact those who live nearby. But even after permission is granted, some will continue to try to delay its completion.

When you try to stick to your convictions and when you are not willing to compromise your core values, expect difficulties and delays along the way. You may not get a promotion in your company or you may not get the recognition you deserve in your school.

But, when you stick to your convictions and when you refuse to compromise your core values, you will sleep better at night. You will enjoy a sense of peace. I think you will be glad you did!

Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar
3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd
(909) 594-7604
Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.efreedb.org