Following Jesus 95

What is compromise? 

 

To compromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demands. You give up something, and I’ll give up something I order to reach a common goal. We both might not get all that we want or requested, but we both achieved and reached a common goal that will benefit both parties involved. 

 

In discussions, compromise is finding agreement through communication, through a mutual acceptance of terms—often involving concessions from an original goal or desire. It is a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; the result of such a settlement. 

 

However, compromise may also be an endangering of oneself or of one’s family or organization, especially its reputation. It is in this definition that compromise becomes an exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: e.g. a compromise of one's integrity. To expose oneself or to allow contact with danger, evil or non-truth. It may involve the areas of money, power or influence, sexual immorality, or a desire for personal peace and contentment, no matter what the cost. 

 

Some define compromise as the “art of slicing the cake in such a way that each child believes they received the biggest piece.” 

 

Others believe compromise begins when a person begins compromising their morals because of the friends they have. They insist that when this begins to occur, it’s time to find new friends.

 

A.W. Tozer once remarked “one compromise here, another there and soon the so-called Christian and the man in the world look the same.” 

 

Dr. Ken Hamm of Answers in Genesis comments, “The creation message has matured over the past three decades, as the discernment and understanding of creationist leaders has matured. More and more, the emphasis is on the foundational issue: compromise of Genesis ultimately undermines the gospel itself.” 

 

 

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 

 

“‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ (Revelation 2:12-17 ESV)