The Cost of Compromise
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INTRODUCTION
Good morning, dear friends and fellow believers.
Concluding our July topic of “Be Alert and Cautious to Discern Deception”.
Today, we look at an important topic – "The Cost of Compromise."
Compromise, though often portrayed as a virtue
Marriage
In First Cor. 6 - taking a brother to court "Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded ‘
Paul having Timothy Circumcised
Be careful and discerning because compromise can have profound spiritual consequences.
Today, we will delve into the Scriptures as we explore the nature, and effects of Compromise, and more importantly - how to overcome it.
DECEPTIVE NATURE OF COMPROMISE
DECEPTIVE NATURE OF COMPROMISE
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Compromise often distorts the truth, making it difficult to discern what is right and wrong. The enemy, who tempts us to compromise, presents himself as an "angel of light" to deceive and mislead us. This distortion can cloud our judgment and hinder our spiritual growth.
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
Surrounding yourself with ungodly, immoral friends will cause you to compromise your faith and integrity.
The Effects of Compromise
The Effects of Compromise
1. Spiritual Apathy
1. Spiritual Apathy
When we repeatedly compromise our faith out of convenience or fear of persecution, we start to lose our passion for following Christ wholeheartedly.
The fire that once burned within us begins to dwindle, leading to complacency and distance from God.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
2. Weakened Witness
2. Weakened Witness
Compromise can dilute our testimony before the world.
When the world sees Christians embracing compromise, it weakens our witness and blurs the line between right and wrong.
Our actions must align with our faith, reflecting the unwavering convictions we hold.
3. Broken Relationships
3. Broken Relationships
When we compromise our convictions to avoid conflict or to gain acceptance, it often creates tension and discord among believers and with non-believers.
Our compromised choices can hinder our ability to build meaningful connections based on shared values and truths.
This compromises our reputation and self respect
Overcoming the Cost of Compromise
Overcoming the Cost of Compromise
Complete, sincere, honest examination of self
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
Conclusion:
Let us not underestimate the cost of compromise. It can subtly sneak into our lives, leading us away from the truth and causing harm. By understanding the dangers and effects of compromise, we can be vigilant, firmly rooted in God's Word, and unwavering in our faith.
May we stand strong, resolute, and uncompromising in our commitment to follow Christ, who demonstrates unwavering and uncompromising dedication to the Father.