Dave’s Monday Blast – January 14, 2019
We find in Proverbs 2 a wonderful recipe for living a life free of compromise. No magic pill or bullet; we carefully receive the Word into our hearts. We must consider the Word to be a treasure. We must listen to the wisdom embedded in it and then of course we must work hard to understand its application.
Although the temptation to compromise threatens every believer, we don’t have to give in. If we’re aware of the danger and understand the downward progression and ultimate consequences, we can determine to be vigilant in obedience to the Lord.
Charles Stanley says, “The first step in learning how to avoid compromise is understanding why it is so tempting. When others pressure us to take part in what we know God has forbidden, it’s easy to give in because we don’t want to feel rejected. But anyone who’s committed to living a godly life must be willing to stand alone and face ridicule or even persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). At other times, we consent to activities that violate our conscience just to avoid conflict, but peace at any price means we have to sacrifice obedience to God.”
However, the temptation to compromise doesn’t always originate with others. In fact, James 1:14 says we are tempted when we’re carried away by our own lusts. How many Christians have fallen into sexual immorality or pornography by desiring a “second look”? Greed is another motivation that drives us to compromise. If you fudge on your income tax or take a few things home from the office, you’ve stepped over the line of obedience to God. Our choices should be based upon scriptural truth, not on our feelings and desires.
In order to stand firm against compromise, we must take God’s Word as the standard for our conduct. If you begin each day with the Lord in His Word, He WILL guide your way. Then when the Spirit gives a warning, obey immediately (run if you have to), because giving consideration to the temptation opens a door for Satan. INTENTIONAL men know the reality of this!
