Lately, I’ve been finding myself in deep reflection and evaluation of my Christian life. I will admit that I was found wanting, lacking, and so far from the mark. I have compromised, given in, and have accepted so much of the world; I grimace at the thought. I found solace in this quote-
Let me be clear, when I talk about compromise, I’m talking specifically about compromising in regard to the principles/law/commands that God gave us, the sola scriptura. And it doesn’t matter what your spouse, friends, parents, boss, role model, sabbath or Sunday school teacher, church leaders, might tell you, if it goes against scripture, it’s not worth the compromise.
Compromise takes on two meanings. The first one should be practiced among us, but it’s the second one that becomes problematic for us.
This week, as I thought about this, I resolved once again to be different, to stand firm to the bible and its teachings, and to hold fast to the doctrines and principles that are the definition of my being. Now is just not the time to compromise!
I’m thinking about Israel in the days of old. They lowered their standard, instead of conquering all the land God told them to take they stopped short and allowed evil to live in parts of their land. Instead of worshiping God alone, they made mutual concessions with the nations around them and accepted into their homes the other nations’ gods. They allowed members of their households to be sacrificed to the religious systems of the nations around them. They gave up land they should have had because they didn’t want to do the work of fighting to keep what God gave them. And the worst part about it is that they actually reasoned within/amongst themselves and thought “surely God will understand or agree”. As though they think God is a God who changes due to human compromising.
What starts as people choosing an attitude of acceptance toward compromise within their own lives and within the Christian community becomes something even more deadly.
But it begs the question; “Are we any different from they?” Our shame as a Christian community is that we are compromising, and we are failing to teach a true knowledge of God. Thus sin is being allowed in our lives and community more and more. We’re not walking in obedience, and because of this we are being corrupted and enslaved by the company we keep with sin. Our rescue and victory against sin will only come with repentance from sin and a return to the way of the LORD.
As I wrestled with this thought throughout the week, guess who showed up Yep! He always showed up with an answer to bring closure to my over active mind. This morning, He woke from slumber, and like Daniel who needed answers to his prayers, God caused me to come across the following devotional thought, I’d like to share that with you. It says,
“We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise; it is no time to hide your colors. When the battle rages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons and give Satan the advantage in the warfare, but unless you watch and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain…. Call to your fellow watchmen, crying,
“The morning cometh, and also the night.”
Isaiah 21:12
It is no time now to relax our efforts, to become dull and spiritless, no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things, to prophesy deceit. Every power is to be employed for God.
You are to maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and for truth. Do not be turned aside by any suggestion the world may make.
[I haven’t fully grasp the deepness of this message and continue to pray on it. But one thing speaks clearly to me, we cannot afford to compromise].
The devotional continues to say, “there is a living issue before us, of vital importance to the remnant people of God to the very close of this earth’s history, for eternal interests are involved. It is no time to be found with idly, with stubborn heart of unbelief and contentment, departing from the living God and His Word.
The original apostasy began in disbelief and denial of the truth; but if we would triumph, we must fix the eye of faith steadfastly upon Jesus, the Captain of our salvation. We are to follow the example of Christ. In all that Jesus did on earth, He had an eye single to the glory of God.
[A church friend of mine yesterday made me ponder, if I should read about the 7 churches in Revelation, which one would I find my membership? What say you?] There is no place in the work of God for halfhearted workers, for those who are neither hot nor cold.
Watchmen on the walls of Zion are to be vigilant, and sleep not day or night. But if they have not received the message from the lips of Christ, their trumpets will give an uncertain sound.
[Nuggeteers] God calls upon you, both ministers and laypersons, listen to His voice, as speaking to you through His Word. Let His truth be received into your heart, that you may be spiritualized by His living, sanctifying power. Then let the distinct message for this time be sent from watchman to watchman on the walls of Zion.”
The following was borrowed from From Christ Triumphant – Page 347
Now is just not the time to compromise on Godly principles. No matter how comfortable the opposite makes you feel. Not matter how favored and desired others might make you feel to them, if you have to compromise on your goodly, spiritual beliefs and doctrines, it’s just not worth it.
As for me, I’d rather please God than man.
Hard food for thought and healthy digestion. 😉
Merry Melodious Melody
