Moral Backbone and No Compromise by John M. Hopkins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 19, 1906

Moral Backbone and No Compromise

By John M. Hopkins

JOHN M. HOPKINS

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15: 58. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Cor. 16: 13.

In one sense every one stands alone. Every one has his individual realm, his circle in which to operate, his niche in life to fill, and no other person can occupy that place. That particular place is where he is to move, to toil, to develop and grow, or to reveal to all around him whatever weakness may be peculiar to himself. And just here comes the test of loyalty, the real proof of true manhood and true womanhood, of true loyalty to principle and duty.

It is no difficult matter to glide or drift along with the tide. It is not difficult to float down stream. A few days ago the writer, in company with an old fisherman, was some distance from land on one of our beautiful lakes in Minnesota. He did not find it at all hard to manage the boat when there was no wind, or to let her drive with the strong gale. But when it was necessary to “tack about” and force the boat against the gale and the rolling waves, it was a very different thing. So it is in Christian living.

The Christian may not always consult or follow inclination. He may not at all times be surrounded with agreeable environments. It may be that sometimes his lot is cast in a place that is altogether opposed to his tastes, may even be very distasteful to him. Congeniality, pleasant associations, and those things that brighten and sweeten life for him,

may not be his privilege to enjoy. Yet duty, principle, a sense of right, hold him there. He can not do otherwise than stand right there. He must deny himself of things which, under other conditions, would be very proper and right, and highly agreeable to him.

His life thus becomes a continual fight for principle. He must have moral backbone to stand firmly for what he knows to be his duty. He may be compelled to stand alone, or worse, in opposition to those who should be helpers, not always passively only, but even actively. But there must be no compromise. He must firmly, faithfully, kindly, meekly, stand, do, bear, or suffer, as duty and principle require.

Under these circumstances he needs the whole Christian armor of Eph. 6: 13-17. And thankful should he be, and truly thankful every Christian is, that there is an open Ear into which he may speak his needs, a strong Arm reached down to support, a loving Hand ever open to supply strength and encouragement. Therefore, “be strong and of good courage, fear not, . . . for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deut. 31: 6. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Ps. 27: 14.

Villard, Minn.