ESTHER 1:10-12
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded
Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served
in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her
royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was
beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his

eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.
Thomas Jefferson wrote, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of
principle, stand like a rock.” In other words, some things are not worth arguing about, while
others are of such value they cannot be compromised.
Although a pagan queen, Vashti had principles she refused to compromise. When
Ahasuerus called for her to present herself before his comrades and him, Vashti knew it was
inappropriate in her culture for a woman to display herself to the leers of other men.
To expose herself to such treatment implied an immodesty, even an unchastity, that was not
true of her. She would not concede her principles and thus refused the king’s command.
Standing for one’s principles, however, can have costly consequences. Vashti was
removed from her position as queen. Others have made similar sacrifices. Bubba Smith,
regarded as one of professional football’s greatest defensive ends, chose to end a lucrative
contract to do beer commercials because he concluded that they encouraged the wrong kind
of behavior.
Whether at work, in social relationships, or in the political arena, Christians face
tremendous pressure to participate in activities and attitudes contrary to God’s will. It’s
important, however, that we take an uncompromising position when it comes to our
principles.
Ask God to give you the ability to discern between what is merely incidental and what is of
eternal value. Then ask Him to give you the strength and courage to stand for your
principles. TOLERANCE IS OFTEN CHAMPIONED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOTHING
TO STAND FOR.
WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in