The Christian and Compromise
Compromise is not always a wrong thing. It can be a necessary way to maintain peace and unity within human relationships. But when Christians compromise principles of truth, in order to avoid persecution or to gain popularity, this is wrong. Today’s new theology, teaches that believers are not called to deny self, take up their crosses, and overcome sin. The truth is that these compromises neutralize the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers and lead them from a life of victory to a life of defeat.
The devil tempted Jesus to compromise. “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. … All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them. … If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine” (Luke 4. 5-7). But Jesus would not compromise even if that meant He would die on the cross.
In the Old Testament, Moses advised the children of Israel before his death, “You shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you … that it may be well with you” (Deuteronomy 5:32, 33).
And in the New Testament, Paul exhorted the believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). We should not be conformed to the world but transformed by the grace of God. This renewing change, which begins when the Christian is converted is a progressive work, for our “inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) “in knowledge” (Colossian 3:10).
When a person gets tempted to compromise his convictions, he needs to run away from sin. The Bible says, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22). And the Lord promises, “resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The weakest man who finds refuge in the power of Christ will cause Satan to tremble and to flee.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
