In the end, we will all be judged by not only what we have said, but also by the deeds that have been done in our bodies. Even though doing the right thing may be costly sometimes, it’s still worth the cost. It’s always worth the cost to defend and maintain your principle. On the Day of Judgment, God will honor those who have withstood the tests of their principle. I just thought that I would encourage somebody today who might be thinking that it’s not worth it to keep defending and maintaining his or her principle, but I want you to know that the Devil wants you to give up on what makes you purposeful, wholesome, and unique. Embrace your difference. Difference is essential!
Although everyone around you might be giving up his or her principle to get temporary gains, don’t give up your principle for these temporary gains. When those temporary gains seem so attractive, remember that they are just that—temporary! If you are a principled person, you will not leave your principle at home. If you are a principled person, you will not let people fool you into relinquishing your principle. Your principle should always guide you to do the right thing, even when other people are telling you that it’s okay to surrender your principle just for one time.
Even when times are going rough, don’t be weary about the conditions you are facing. God will reward you for being principled, and He will bring you out of the difficult circumstances you are experiencing. For those who are principled people, God did not give you anything to lose, but all to gain. Don’t get so caught up into things and moments that you forget about the principle that has enabled you to get to where you are today.
If you have allowed yourself to give up your principle for someone and/or something that you did not give your best thought to, you don’t have to wallow in your own pity—just ask God forgiveness and get your principle back. Stay committed to your principle. You will certainly lose respect in God’s eye when you constantly vacillate on your principle. Be willing to lose everything for your principle to gain it all in the end!
Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Revolutionary Paideia 
Principle and character is important. I tell my students often that “I’m sure amongst you and perhaps some faculty my reputation changes, but it is the core of my character that is repetitious.” Of course, for my seventh graders the word ‘repetitious’ builds their broad vocabulary, but character is the essence and core of who you are. I adore your ending statement, “Be willing to lose everything for your principle to gain it all in the end!” It promotes thinking and self-reflection. Again thank you for your post as well as being Mr. RP or Antonio at his organic core.
@Santresa: Your students are certainly lucky to have you as their teacher! Thanks for reading and your thoughtful response.