192 | Being a Light Without Compromise or Self-Righteousness

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Have you ever found yourself in an environment where going along with what everyone else is doing would be easier than standing alone for what is right?

I remember my last two years in secondary school. It was hellish.

Before then, there was a culture in my class of helping each other out during tests and exams. It was normal. People squeezed small notes into their sleeves, whispered answers, turned their pages for others to copy. We were all cool with it.

I benefited from it, especially in maths. I was so bad at maths that I could not pass a maths  exam to save a life.

Until something happened. God began to beckon on me. 
My heart started searching for Him. 
I began to desire Him, looking for Him on the pages of my Bible, and that was when I fell in love with the book of Psalms. It was like finding a book that captured all the thoughts in my heart that I could not articulate.

Gradually, I became averse to things I once easily did, until I simply could not do them anymore. It felt like I was hurting Someone deep inside.

Of course, this attracted a lot of hate. I quickly earned a reputation as the self-righteous classmate who had suddenly “changed.” I stopped responding when classmates called me during exams. I didn’t ask for help, either. I faced my papers alone: if I passed, I passed; if I failed, I failed.

Then came the WAEC exams. By this point, I truly believed there was no hope for me with maths. It felt like my brain had permanently locked out that entire subject.

Don’t even get me started on Further Mathematics. I mean, we haven’t even figured out maths, yet we’re going further into it… to where, please?😒

I remember sitting in the exam hall when someone asked if I needed assistance with the maths paper. It was so tempting.

But I literally braced myself to fail. I shaded the multiple-choice boxes randomly; like aaaa, bbbb, ccbbbc. 😅For the theory section, I did what I could. I answered the very few questions I knew, but most of it was, “Into Your hands I commit my script, Lord,” and I submitted.

I remember the look on my teachers’ faces: a mix of shock and admiration. I had chosen to stand with God.

This may not sound like a work-related story, but it was my first real lesson in standing for God even when it cost me.

It taught me once and for all that God will always come through for those who choose to stand for Him, even when it means going against what everyone else is doing.

It showed me that honoring God above fitting in is never wasted, and His faithfulness is greater than any fear of failure or rejection.

It also proved what His Word says: “Those who honor me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).

If you are wondering whether I passed: I did! And well enough to get into The Prestigious University of Ibadan!, the Best of the Best!😉; to study law. 

Standing Firm Without Compromise

Standing firm means refusing to compromise your faith and principles, even when it costs you popularity, comfort, or success. 

In Scripture, Daniel and his friends immediately come to mind: they stood tall for God, refusing the king’s food and later refusing to bow to the golden image, even under threat of death (Daniel 1, Daniel 3). They did not shout insults at those around them nor were they rude; they stood humbly but confidently, and with devotion to God.

Likewise, in your workplace or daily interactions, standing firm may look like refusing to accept bribes, gossip, or cut corners when everyone else around you does.

But it does not end there. How you stand is just as important as the stand itself. Do it without being rude, harsh, or self-righteous. Instead, remain kind, friendly, and warm to your colleagues. 

Jesus Christ  said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

We are called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16). Sometimes, that means being right among the wolves, even dressed in the same uniform or working the same job, yet completely different in nature.

If we isolate ourselves or climb onto our spiritual high horses, how will those living in darkness ever see the light of Christ Jesus? Our calling is to reflect Jesus, not to repel people.

Peter said: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Colossians 4:5-6 says  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 

Avoid Self-Righteousness

Standing firm must never slip into pride. Paul said:, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Remember, you were once lost too. Approach others with humility, knowing your righteousness comes from Christ alone, not your own merit. Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and so must we: unshakable in God’s truth, yet overflowing with His grace toward others.

Self-righteousness blinds us to our own need for grace and drives others further from God. Humility keeps our hearts tender and our witness effective.

Practical Ways to Shine Your Light

• Refuse to participate in dishonest practices, but do so gently and kindly, never shaming or condemning those around you.
• Speak graciously and calmly, even when you need to stand for what is right.
• Pray quietly as you go about your tasks, committing every situation into God’s hands.
• Let your actions demonstrate integrity, patience, and love. People often notice your character long before they hear your words, and your consistent example can be the most powerful sermon they ever hear.
• Remember, being a light is not about proving you are better than others, but about reflecting Jesus Christ so others can find Him through your life. When you stand for Him with humility and kindness, God will honor you in ways you could never imagine.

Scriptures for Further Study
Matthew 5:13-16, Daniel 1, 3, 6, 1 Peter 3:15-16, Philippians 2:14-15, John 17:14-16