Throughout our lives, we are tested by situations that confront us and are judged by the choices we make. When we make bad choices that compromise our convictions, we will ultimately reap negative results, such as guilt, pain and many times embarrassment.

On the other hand, good choices are rewarded with a good feeling of peace, knowing that you were victorious over the temptation to compromise your convictions.

A few weeks ago, at one of the weekly Bible sharing groups that I attend, the moderator talked about taking a stand against something that you thought was wrong.

I shared that I’ve made many bad choices in my life, giving in to temptation and sometimes being influenced by the authority in charge. I’ll never forget an experience I had in 1949.

I was a member of the Leon Godchaux High School boxing team. At that time, only a few high schools participated in boxing. I wanted to earn a letter regardless of the consequences, and believe me, I paid the price. I had eight fights in the 90-pound class and won only once.

It was customary to weigh in a couple of hours before a fight and then be matched with our opponent. Afterwards, we would go to a restaurant and eat.

This particular time was a Friday night. At that time I was a Catholic, and in those days it was considered a sin to eat meat on Fridays. The coach (my uncle) ordered everyone hamburger steaks and French fries. Keep in mind I was more afraid of my uncle then any opponent. I told him I couldn’t eat meat on Fridays. In his rough voice he said, “Go ahead. I’ll bless it.”

It was decision making time, and I decided, without any fanfare, not to eat. To some people, this may not sound like a big thing, but to me it must have been because I still remember that night over 60 years ago.

By the way, this was the only fight I won and everybody else lost. To this day, I think God rewarded me for standing up for what I thought was the right thing to do.

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