The word compromise overwhelmed my cerebral cortex the other day. I hate it when that happens. Our present day society is filled with people who compromise the decisions, spiritual and otherwise, they may have previously made in exchange for the possibility of something better or more immediate. Why do we do this and what are the consequences? Well I took out my handy concordance and looked up as many passages as I could find in God’s Word on the matter. Now before you shrug off this post, I believe I’ve assembled some interesting answers worthy of consideration. If you need encouragement today, please read on because compromise is not an option😉. I think there’s some good stuff here. You be the judge.
Compromise usually begins with indecision. Point in fact: 1 Kings 18:21:
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
Personally, I try to avoid being a “fence sitter” by first doing my due diligence when making decisions. If I make the mistake of second guessing myself, I know I’m just delaying the inevitable. I learned this from a former boss many years ago.
Romans 1:25
Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
I know who I am in Christ. I find that when a person is confident in the sustaining Source of everything in their life, it removes distraction and discontent.
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Take it from an “older” coot. Trials will come. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world simply because it’s a fallen world. We can’t be fixed in a broken world outside of Jesus Christ. So be prepared.
Hebrews 10:26
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.
Contrary to what a few televangelists may tell you, ALL Christians sin until the day they die. So how do we resolve this paradox, we will but we can’t help it? Well we DO have the power to resist sin and NOT give into temptation. And when we do slip up, and we will daily, ask Him for forgiveness. Keep your account short.
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
I think of Jesus who said “what will a man (in the non-gender sense) give in exchange for his soul?” The answer to this question should be self evident.
Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.
There are several instances in all of Scripture which warn against this. Simple: Accept it or reject it as written. Do not compromise when it comes to anyone’s interpretation of the Bible. Test all things and hold fast to the good. Run fast and run far when you hear something contrary to what has already been written.
James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
This does not mean we shouldn’t be friendly, just don’t put your hope in people or any created thing for that matter. Things and people will fade away but the Word of God is forever. Stay on the narrow path and you will always be bathed in Light. It’s dark out in the woods and easy to get snatched up by something dubious.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Here is one of the most profound statements of Jesus Christ. Yes, it’s divisive and exclusionary, two things folks hate these days. (See James 4:4) Granted nobody fully comprehends the nature of God, all we can do is trust what Scripture says. I happen to without question. It’s a binary decision. No fence sitting for me, thank you. And this is only possible through the Holy Spirit of God who gives discernment. Pray to Him for understanding and He will enlighten even the most distant of hearts.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
As I just wrote, through God, the Holy Spirit. We had 0% to do with it and He bridged the gap with the other 100%. My math checks out. The ultimate in humility was demonstrated by Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This one works every time it’s tried. It’s a trust thing. For a house to be built properly, it’s pieces must be assembled in the proper order. Leave out a piece here or there and the whole thing could come down. We don’t want that.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Rest assured, He will answer in His own time. Maybe right away or perhaps in the distant future. But if you truly trust Him, you can rest in the fact that He knows best, even if you don’t agree, don’t like it, or lack the patience to carry on.
I close with affirmation of who Jesus Christ is lest there be any confusion:
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form. Colossians 2:9
Please see my post here for further affirmation:
If you made to the end, I congratulate you and also thank you. See, you didn’t compromise!
Jim
The carefully selected scriptural passages expressed the profound understanding and concerns of the writer on this noteworthy topic. I appreciated how you mindfully delivered this message to exhort and challenge Christians with a very gentle spirit. May all who read take it into serious consideration. The ending artfully echoed the beginning which put a smile on the face of the reader. I didn't compromise, either. 😉
Jim. Well done, my friend. I double checked - my house is built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.