The book of Esther contains the accounts of two people who refused to compromise.

Queen Vashti refused to allow herself to be put on display (1:11-12). The king commanded her to come before his guests so he could show off her beauty. She refused to allow herself to be made an object for the viewing pleasure of men. She paid a price for this decision, but she did the right thing.

Unfortunately, some Christians today are unwilling to follow her example. It is becoming more common to see sisters in Christ compromising the principles of modesty and shamefacedness (1 Tim. 2:9) for the sake of fashion and popularity. Some of today's fashions are purposely designed to make one a sexual object. It is impossible for a woman to profess godliness (1 Tim. 2:10) while wearing the "attire of a harlot" (Prov. 7:10).

Mordecai refused to bow and pay homage to Haman, as the king had commanded all his servants to do (3:2). His fellow servants tried to "talk some sense into him," confronting him about this matter every day. The easy thing would have been for Mordecai to have bowed before Haman, but he couldn't. Why not? Because Mordecai was a Jew (v. 4). What difference did that make? Jews were not allowed to bow before or serve anyone other than the Lord (Ex. 20:3, 5).

When Haman learned of Mordecai's refusal, he became furious. Instead of taking it out on Mordecai, he planned to take it out on all of the Jews. God turned this plot around and, in the end, Mordecai was exalted above the very people that had begged him to compromise his principles.

Some people believe compromise is a legitimate means of gaining respect and influence. On the contrary, a willingness to compromise one's principles actually displays a lack of character. According to the Lord, salt that has lost its flavor is good for nothing (Matt. 5:13).