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The Sin of Compromise Webster's dictionary defines compromises thusly: “Consent by mutual concession, to surrender.” Henry Clay was known as “the great compromiser” in American history. Although he was famous as a Washington legislator, no one wanted him for President. In the church of the Lord Jesus Christ today, we should never compromise or surrender precious landmarks of righteousness. We have too many folk making overtures and concessions toward sectarian groups in regards to points long established in the Bible. Hearing some brethren speak of forbearance and “positive thoughts only” makes me wonder how Christ was ever crucified by folk so angry with Him that they hanged the Son of God between thieves. Brethren, we might as well admit that we are reaping what we sowed in the past generation. Many congregations pushed serious Bible study out and invited entertainment in. The result is that our young adults (and some older ones, too) know very little Bible and few of the basic principals that made us so strong in the days past. The concept of the value of silence of the Scriptures must be taught all over again if we would salvage very many of the youth of yesterday. The idea that the Church of the New Testament is unique and distinctive and not a denomination is now firmly entrenched in “the church of tomorrow.” We have compromised with humanism, television and the hedonism of secular Hollywood-oriented philosophy as we idolize rock musicians, sports heroes and anti-government bums. Then we ask in wonder, “Where have all the children gone?” If we had more conviction and boldness in the pulpit, and more plain teaching in our Bible classes, we might turn things around for God's cause in this decade. But we will have to quit surrendering to the pressures of unconverted members who worry about what society will think of us being so narrow minded! Truth has always been absolute, and therefore narrow. Ask Noah, Joshua, Daniel, Stephen, Paul and the best of all, ask the Savior, if standing for the right way is ever popular! Convenience has always been the mother of apostasy. Christians must come out of Babylon (Revelation 18) and "be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17) if the “”salt of the earth”” (Matthew 5:13) is to have its preserving impact upon the world gone crazy with iniquity. “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 12:8), the Devil has a field day. We stand today in the valley of decision. Let us be sure that we choose not the easy road, but the correct road. Compromise, that great enemy of righteousness, must be banished from our presence, never to rear its ugly head again! This article first appeared in The Gospel Light Newsletter in 1988. It was requested by Jerry Letourneau of Brownfield, Maine. Jerry was a good friend, brother in Christ and a true servant of the Lord. Jerry went home in November 1994 and I dedicate this article to the memory of his work for Christ. It is my true desire that this article and website will help you have a closer walk with Jesus Christ. |