No Compromise

“Think of a time in your life when you compromised just to fit in. What was the result?” Yikes! Let me count the ways! This thoughtful question was posed by Max Lucado in the Bible study I’m currently doing on the Book of Revelation. I recalled the disastrous choices I made in High School and College before I became a Christian. I can’t go back and change the past. It’s been forgiven. What about you? Any time we compromise our own moral code of conduct, it will leave us feeling shame, uneasiness, and regret.

So now that we, as Christians, have the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and fellow believers to help us remain on the path Jesus has paved before us, how are we doing when faced with compromise? I am constantly going about “in the world,” hoping that perhaps some of my unbelieving friends will see just a hint of Jesus in me, and it would draw them closer to Him. But then, what am I to do when they begin telling off-color jokes in my presence? Through the years, I’ve gotten better at not responding, excusing myself, or simply changing the subject. I wish I could say that I’m always successful, but, as a recovering people pleaser, sometimes I stumble at taking the high road when I come to that fork in the road. More importantly, this could turn out to be a poor choice that has the power to destroy my witness for Christ! May it never be!

Saints, what if we weaken our ability to share the joy of walking with Jesus because we compromise our godly conduct to be accepted by our peers? Lord, help us when we fear being godly in the presence of the ungodly. In Revelation 2:10b, Jesus encouraged the persecuted people of the Church in Smyrna, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” The promise of that reward for staying faithful to Jesus can be enough to keep us walking with Him, so let us pray to walk in His way and not in the way of the world.

Let us Walk in His Way:

Dear Heavenly Father, we love You and want to please you with our lives. Please strengthen us for Your will and purpose so that we may conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. When we stumble, let us remember Max Lucado’s encouraging words when he said, “We need to remember that as soon as we turn around and run to God, He meets us with open arms.” Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel

author of “Walk in His Way” for

Carry the Light Ministries