I want to say that it took one time disregarding warning signals, but I have experienced many, and some I have chosen to rationalize. 

There was the time I was asked to contribute to the monthly goal at work, the times I was asked to compromise my standards for someone else’s pleasure, and the times I did almost everything possible to do the right thing, yet left a small window of opportunity undone.  It is so tempting to compromise because the person pushing has been nice, has ties to your paycheck, or it is in some way costly to say no.

In all these cases, warning signals from the Holy Spirit were present.  However, pressure, noise, and timing were all forces trying to win.  I know when I am pressured to do something, what I really need to do is be still, pray, and listen. 

The Holy Spirit warns us if we are willing to listen.  It might be that I am unsettled, have a pit in my stomach, am unusually emotional, but whatever signal I am experiencing, it is my choice to listen and retreat or press forward.

Every time I have moved forward after warning signals, I should not have proceeded.  I felt pressured to do things for someone else, while knowing it was not right for me. 

The compromising pressures we feel are from Evil, attempting to prey on our weaknesses.  Jesus does not pressure us, but will send warnings through the Holy Spirit. 

When I am feeling rushed about answering, my response is either no or not right now.  I wait, pray, and listen for an answer.

When there is a timeline and you feel pressured, be still.  Warning signals are normally a sign for me to retreat and pray.    

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