Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is …Â Compromise.
A quick look in the dictionary confirms the definition: “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands” (dictionary.com).
We learn the art of compromise early on in life. We often compromise with children in letting them stay up ten minutes more, play outside a bit longer, or have one more cookie.
As we get older, we make compromises with dinner decisions when choosing steak or chicken, or what to watch on TV at night.
Compromise can bring about a peaceful solution with both sides satisfied to have obtained some of their desires.
Yet there is one area where we cannot compromise – our faith.
The word prompt immediately brought to mind the words of Jesus as recorded by John in the book of Revelation. Jesus was addressing the church in Laodicea:
“”˜I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16, NASB)
It’s a sober word which was delivered to the Laodiceans, and to all since. Lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, just in the middle.
When lukewarm, one doesn’t know their need for Christ. In a stupor of complacency, they go through the motions of daily life independent of Jesus. In a lukewarm state, we develop a self-sufficiency and an ability to get through situations apart from the guidance and wisdom of God.
A lukewarm faith is neither here nor there.
A lukewarm faith lacks the ability to warm or comfort a cold heart. A lukewarm faith lacks the ability to cool down a heart raging with hot or angry emotions.
May we not compromise in our faith. May we move from being independent to dependent on God for our every need and the choices we make.
Funny thing, I’ve been listening to Keith Green songs lately, and so I share these words and his song:
“Make my life a prayer to YouI wanna do what you want me toNo empty words and no white liesNo token prayers no compromiseI wanna shine the light You gaveThrough Your Son You sent to save usFrom ourselves and our despairIt comforts me to know You’re really there.”
Today I may be joining …
I used to listen to Keith Green. His life and songs were inspiring.
I don’t think it would be wise,
in thinking about my faith,
to consider compromise,
but rather do what God doth sayeth
and be true to Jesus Christ,
the bloke who paid my debt for me,
whose very heart was sacrificed
upon that rough Calvary tree.
I won’t pretend to understand
the theologians’ ins and outs,
but I’ll keep the reins in hand
when I am assailed by doubts
and hold to promise of the light
when I’m riding in the night.
We should NEVER compromise our faith! But there are many other ways to compromise and make peace with others.
FMF#6
You’ve got me thinking, Joanne: A compromise of faith often happens subtlly. One example: A conversations can take a turn away from Christian truth, and I start to feel uncomfortable, yet I remain silent. Lord, forgive me! “Grant me courage” as we used to sing in that old hymn, “God of Grace and God of Glory.” Even in these times of severe polarization and intolerance, I want to be willing–even eager–to speak Your truth with kindness, and let You handle the consequences. Amen!
Hi Joann!
Compromise is a funny thing. On one hand, it can be helpful — arguments can be avoided, wars ceased, children happy… But on another hand, when we compromise the things that really matter, it can be detrimental to our heart and health! In my youth, I was what I considered to be a “people pleaser”. I avoided conflict at all costs! The consequence of that was that boundaries were never set and I wasn’t able to live as fully as God wanted me to. It took me many years to learn how to stand up for the things that are important. My faith is one of those things. You are so right — we cannot compromise our faith or it is like the proverbial flower that fades in the slightest heat. Instead, we need to nurture it, allowing it to grow stronger each day!
Thanks for the reminders and for the link to the Keith Green song. Both compromise and complacency do not belong in the life of someone living by faith.
Amen! I think a great many will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and will lose many rewards because they compromised their faith my friend.
So true. This is one area where we cannot, must not compromise.
I love Keith Green’s music. I still have his albums and cassette tapes. First Christian artist I listened to as a teenager. Thanks for posting his words and his music. He did not compromise.
Thanks for the sober reminder to the Laodiceans that compromise is dangerous to our spiritual health. I love the Keith Green reminder too – He was the first and only Christian artist I listened to as a young Christian. His music and life was very inspiring. Your FMF neighbour at #11 this week.