Compromise
Compromise is a word that we are all familiar with, and most of us were raised with the idea that it was a good thing that we do to make everyone happy. As children and teens, we compromised with our siblings and parents. As adults, we compromise in the workplace and our households. With all the compromising going on in all areas of our lives, it is no wonder that so many people are under the impression that it is okay or acceptable to compromise with God.
It begins as simply an interpretation, “Well I think I can wear jeans because they are women’s jeans and all the bible says is not to wear men’s clothing!” or, “I will keep my hair long but I’m still going to trim it because I think that God won’t mind.” At the time these statements may seem small enough but when you step back and look at it what we are actually saying is, “Jesus, keep on blessing me but I’m going to do stretch your Word until it says what I want to hear, because I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing – even though I believe the rest of what I’ve been taught.”
In II Peter 1:20-21, it says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but by holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Plainly we are not to interpret to please ourselves.
John 14:23-24: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me keepeth not my sayings…” We are supposed to do what the word says.
Luke 9:23: ” And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” We are supposed to walk away from our own worldly desires.
So, if we are not supposed to interpret, but to follow the Word and deny ourselves, how does this leave any room for compromise? And yet we find it everywhere, even in our own apostolic church pews.
I’ve found that a compromise is often also a critic. They scoff at our submission, our worship, and our beliefs. They can find fault with our blessings, our music, our very way of life. They don’t want to live the way we live but they are seldom happy.
I have seen my life when I’ve compromised, and I’ve seen it when I fully submitted. There is no question in my mind which is better. I found myself unsettled, however, when told that certain things are unnecessary and something that was a joy to me was laughed at. I had no intentions of feeling less blessed or of changing my ways, but I was hurt none the less because this was someone that I love dearly. The next morning when I was reading my bible, I was lead to II Peter 3:16-18.
” As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
I thank Him every day that He chose me into this way of life and always leads and guides me. I will continue to fully submit to the one that I adore, who loves me and holds me in the palm of His hand. This is why I refuse to compromise, and I pray that I can share this love with all those in my life who need it.
