The Call To Overcome: The Compromising Church
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
Psalm 119:2-3 (NLT)
Compromising Christians can help or harm, depending on what the compromise is:
To help settle disputes IS A GOOD THING! (It means making peace between enemies).*
To lower church standards IS A BAD THING! (It means compromising godly values).
When our Father says, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’ (1 Peter 1:16), He is ordering our transformation into the Image of His perfect Son– which is a lifelong collaboration. Our growing success is measured by fruit!
'Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness' and 'self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23).
If a church compromises this standard (accepting behaviors Jesus refused, like greed, deceit, or hypocrisy), then that church is a compromising church.
One shocking example is the story of Ananias and Sapphira’s “gift” in the Book of Acts. (Here’s how it went.) They gave the early church a donation, but they lied about the donation’s size.** The gift was good, but their pretense was not, so God struck them dead!
Perhaps to us, this punishment seems harsh for a (somewhat) generous donation. However, we don't serve a ‘somewhat’ god, and ABSOLUTELY NOT… a lying god.
Both then and now, we serve the 'God of truth' (Deuteronomy 32:4), and He expects our whole-hearted devotion.
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind' (Luke 10:27).
Within this revelatory letter are warnings for Christian churches today. In “look-the-other-way” congregations (where lying and cheating are commonplace)... they’re compromising the Name of Jesus.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Make sure your church practices holiness, especially within its leadership. (No one’s perfect, but we must keep trying!)
'Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good' (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
'The one who practices righteousness is righteous' (1 John 3:7).
Accept nothing less from them or yourself than clear, honest, and wholehearted effort. In YOUR pursuit of Truth, don’t compromise!
'The reason why men do not look to the Church today is that she has destroyed her own influence by compromise' (G. Campbell Morgan).****
The Call To Overcome: The Compromising Church (Part 15)***
* Oxford English Dictionary definition of 'compromise.'
** The Story of Ananias and Sapphira: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+5%3A1-11&version=NKJV
*** Additional brief articles on The Compromising Church: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Pergamum.html; http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/66-8/pergamos-the-church-at-satans-throne
**** G. Campbell Morgan: http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/G.-Campbell-Morgan-Quotes/
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.