Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Sometimes our non-negotiables become negotiable. We compromise on our beliefs because we don’t want to offend someone. Or better yet, we don’t want to come out as corny or too self-righteous.

There’s truth in the old adage that states,

How can we expect others to treat us seriously if we don’t treat ourselves seriously? If we mean business, then the tone and the manner in which we convey our message should be serious enough to be taken seriously.

Often times, we mistake courage as someone who is forceful and loud. Someone who blurts out his opinion without prudence and without regard to another person’s well-being. This is the earthly definition of a strong person. Just because you are witty enough to rebut, does not mean you are brave. A wise person knows when to speak and when to keep quiet. It’s biblical.

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.  Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Proverbs 17: 27-28

If it is not part of our belief system, then why are we compromising? Is it because we don’t want to offend? Is it because we might lose the company of the people we deemed important? Is it because we don’t want to be labeled as such? Or just because we don’t want to be canceled?

The cancel culture we are in is so damaging. We tend to lose ourselves to the dictates of the secular. We are spreading ourselves too thin just to belong. Forgetting our values in the process.

What a WASTE?

I chance upon a video clip of Fr. Jerry Orbos that explains why most of us don’t have PEACE. We allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our worries, anxieties, stress, talks, and expectations of others. It’s because we do not prioritize God.

Let Fr. Jerry explains it further here.

There is only one expectation that we should be focusing on. It’s God’s expectation of us. God’s will on our lives.

It’s not easy to please God. To focus only on HIS will. To stay courageous in your workplace; in your classroom; in your family life; even in your closest and intimate relationship. Especially when you are asked to compromise what you stand for. This is where COURAGE begins.

Here’s a prayer that you can start praying if you feel like giving in.

Define your

*The prayer above is also found in my earlier post Would You Rather Disappoint God than Your Friend?