No Compromise

Somehow we have gotten the message that it is no big deal to do whatever we want (be loose sexually) and say whatever we want (cuss like a sailor or spew out hurtful words) and still be a Christan. To be certain, you are leaving the door wide open for heartache when you placate the flesh, because according to the Word of God, there is no "gray area living" in authentic Christianity. You are either with and for the Lord or you are not. In Matthew 12:30 Jesus said "If you are not on my side, you are against me." In Revelation 3:16 it says "But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth." He is speaking of living a life of compromise when He says "lukewarm".

When you mess up, immediately go to the Lord regardless of how you feel and ask forgiveness. Surrender to the Lord your area of compromise. Believe me, the enemy will try to take you out if you give him any opportunity at all. He already wants to destroy you even when you are 100% surrendered to the Lord. Why give him more incentive? Ephesians 6:12 precisely identifies the the root of our struggles in this life. It says "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." In light of this truth, we can love one another and give one another grace when we realize we all are fighting some sort of battle.

Nuturing bitterness is also a compromise in your walk with the Lord. The bible warns against this in Hebrews 12:15: "looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled". Like it or not, your choice to hold onto bitterness can cause a domino effect of discord and dissension. If someone hurts you immediately be obedient and forgive that person. Matthew 6:15 says "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Not only forgive the offender but be reconciled to that person. In Mathew 5:23-24 it says "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." God is not impressed with our financial donations to the church or gifts to the poor when we fight with one another and refuse to obey the principals of His Holy Word. The Prophet Samuel is quoted as saying in I Samuel 15:22, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." Even if it means you are the first one to apologize, it is better to please the Lord and be a doer of the Word of God than win a fight.

As my friend Dianna Davis Akers always says, "Be quick to repent- quick to forgive." Do yourself a favor and do not give the enemy any time at all to use the offense of compromise against you, because he is just waiting to condemn you before the Father and tear you apart. Revelation 12:10 says in part "... for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them [believers] before our God day and night." 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

Why do what the Word of God says? Because when we read, listen and do what the Word of God says, we come into a place of protection of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Protection from trouble? No. But victory over trouble. Peace in tragedy. Joy in weakness. Love in loneliness. A haven of rest in weariness. Hope in despair. Beauty for ashes. He is the only reason this crazy, painful, wonderful at times, heart breaking at other times, life is worth living. TLC