Danger Points #4

Compromise

Psalm 119:1-8 “Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD. Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your principles. Please don't give up on me!” (NLT)

God warns us about compromise. Compromise is giving away a little of our faith, of God, to something or someone of the world. Why do we so easily give away that which is most precious?

We don’t need to!

We don’t have to!

We do so only of our own free will!

A believer will not be judged lightly on the amount of Gospel obedience they walked away from so the world could have its way with us.

We forget that we are on the side with all the bargaining chips We have the power! We have Jesus Christ on our side! Why would we what to have anything less than Him?

A hunter had his gun aimed at a large bear and was ready to pull the trigger. Just then the bear spoke in a soft, soothing voice, saying, “Isn’t it better to talk than to shoot? Why don’t we negotiate the matter? What is it you want?” The hunter lowered his rifle and answered, “I would like a fur coat.” “That’s good.” Said the bear. “I think that’s something we can talk about. All I want is a full stomach; maybe we can reach a compromise.” So they sat down to talk it over. A little while later the bear walked away alone. The negotiations had been successful – the bear had a full stomach, and the hunter had a fur coat. -Dante

When the world cry out for compromise we must remember who we represent and the power of His Truth and not vary one iota from it. The moment we give a single millimeter away we have compromised the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dictionary.com defines com·pro·mise as

1. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
1. The result of such a settlement.
2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things: The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American.
3. A concession to something detrimental or pejorative: a compromise of morality.

From our text we find a definition of integrity

• Follow the law of the Lord
• Obey His decrees
• Search for Him
• Do not compromise
• Walk ONLY in His paths
• Live a life that reflects Jesus Christ
• Learn His Laws – His Word
• Live like you should
• Obey Him

Compromise - mowt (mote); to waver; by implication to slip, shake, fall: be out of course, be fallen in decay

We compromise when we…..

• Decide we are too tired to read the Bible or to pray
• To busy to witness or attend church this Wednesday
• Waste time on other things and do not study our Sunday School lesson or prepare for our sermon like we know we should
• Allow the world (our job, our hobby, our yard, TV, etc.) to have a higher priority than our Savior.
• Do not speak out against the evil of the world. Even if it is seemingly small and insignificant at the time it will snowball down the slippery slope of compromise unless SOMEONE stands against it in the Name of Jesus.
• When we politely chuckle at our co-workers/uncles/neighbors “cute little” dirty joke.
• When we pause on a TV show that is lustful or pornographic
• When we don’t correct a misguided believer...or lost person…on a issue with their relationship with God.
• So many, many more ways. Search your heart and life and ask God to expose to you areas of compromise in your life.

The church – the entire body of Christ needs no more decay or shaking. It is time for us to get back on course – a course set by God – and keep our eyes on Him.

Proverbs 25:26 “If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.” (NLT)

Is there any mud in your life? In your family? In your church? It is not to late – you can begin again. Ask God to forgive you and set you straight. Ask Him to remove the dirty water and restore a clear vision in your life.

Drink only from the well of the Water of Life and leave compromise by the wayside, never returning to it again.