The Merriam-Webster dictionary explains compromise in several ways.
As a verb – to come to agreement by mutual concession, like a union agreement, to find or follow a way between extremes, or to place in danger.
As a noun – settlement of differences by arbitration, by consent reached by mutual concessions, or a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial. An example of this would be compromising on one’s principles.
Some of the synonyms for compromise are interesting too – accommodate, bargain, haggle, give-and-take, and agree.
It was interesting to see the many ways this one word can be used.
Simply put, compromise is bad when it involves sacrificing fundamental principles or values, or when it perpetuates injustice or inequality.
However, we as Christian are being subtly led to think that it is okay to compromise on the word of God. Let’s be clear, any form of compromise with God is not okay. God’s word never changes, it is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
I was a certified mediator in Florida and one interesting thing I learned during the course was that with a compromise, one side will always be less happy as they will feel they had to give up something. They asked us to strive for what is known as a win-win which means both party is happier because they do not leave the meeting thinking they had to give up something. God does not accept compromises. There is no “on the fence” we must learn to be in the world but not of the world. That takes commitment – studying His word daily, prayer, and fasting and seeking God in all our life decisions.
So…why do God’s people - the ones who have made a commitment and sealed it by water baptism - think it is within their right to live close enough to His word to hide the compromise or to think “that was the old days, things are different now”
The world has changed but His word stands the test of time.
Fornication and adultery was wrong then, and it is still wrong today - nothing has changed. Lying, stealing, killing was wrong then and it is wrong now - Nothing has changed!
Now, I am not the person to stand and point fingers as I have made my fair share of mistakes - and that is putting it mildly - I am just saying what God has laid on my heart.
He wants to remind his people to turn back to the ancient path. The following three scriptures comes to mind:
Jeremiah 6:16 “God reminds us to turn back to the ancient path.”
1 Samuel 12:20-25 “God still forgave the people of Israel though they rebelled and asked for a king.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 - “if my people who are called by my name…” to show His mercy and grace.
He is a loving and perfect and forgiving God - His perfect agape love never fails. He continues to forgive us of our sins but one day he will come as a judge.
It is time for the people of God to come out from hiding - come out from among the rebels, to stop compromising your values for man or woman, friendships, careers, places we visit, quick money, and our speech - yes, I cannot tell you have many times I have been disappointed to hear people tell me they are Christian but will drop certain words as if they have become verbs.
We all sin and fall short of His glory, so we must continually pray for His leading and direction in our lives. Good and evil cannot exist in the same place - one will overshadow the other. When I am committed in prayer, certain words do not ever come to mind; but if I am around people or watch certain movies or is in earshot of certain music, they stay in my spirit and soon I find I am repeating those things!
That is how the enemy works. He lacks the power that Jesus has so he uses trickery. Satan knows his time is running out. Which side do you want to be on.
I had a co-worker who was a new Christian - I’ll call her Jay. Jay’s best friend who had not yet given her life to the Lord decided to have a birthday party for Jay - at a club! You heard that right. I was playing the role of a big sister/mentor to Jay at the time, and I heard her telling another co-worker I was also mentoring about the party. Not realizing I was in earshot; they were both discussing what they thought my response would be. My response was simple “the only time a Christian should enter a club is if they have their bible and is planning to evangelize there.”
Glad she took that cryptic advice and squash that madness. We must be careful of the people we keep company with and starting new with Christ often result in you losing some friends – but that’s okay, you are making room for the new ones that He will send you – ones who will empower you and will enrich you spiritually.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek Him first and everything else will be added to you. Don’t believe it? Just remember Solomon, he asked only for wisdom, but received so much more from God because his only focus was on being a good servant to God’s people.
Go to your prayer closet today, ask the Lord to show you if there is any compromise in your life. If you are not strong enough break that cycle and make a change, ask the Lord for help. His words says that “His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.” Each day, we should endeavor to shift from compromise to commitment.
Paula Hamilton
Managing Editor, VBD Magazine
