Most in our society today have the erroneous belief that we Christians must compromise with the world and its beliefs and “just get along.” Certainly we are not advocating an unloving and uncaring attitude, but that isn’t what Scripture teaches. Compromise is not always good, and in the case of Scriptural truth it is definitely not good.
When the Holy Word of God says that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father it cannot be compromised. When it says Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, and rose again it cannot be compromised. When it says that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, in fact God, it cannot be compromised.
Major truths of the Bible, such as those in the previous paragraph, and others, cannot be compromised, and what God calls sin cannot be compromised.
Whether or not we sing from a hymnal or a screen on the stage is a matter of preference. Whether we sing old hymns, southern gospel, or contemporary music is irrelevant. Whether the pastor wears jeans or a suit is not an issue, and whether he uses a pulpit or not, doesn’t matter. These are like arguing over the color of the carpet. Who cares? Compromise!
But when churches start ordaining homosexuals we have a serious problem. Should we love these who have chosen this type of sin? Absolutely, just as much as we would love those filled with pride! Sin is sin. We most certainly should love the sinner and pray for them, but we absolutely should not support the sin.
When churches turn a blind eye to fornication and adultery it is wrong. It is not a time to compromise. When parishioners lie, steal and cheat, the church must not keep silent … but most of the time, it does.
Those of us who call ourselves Christians should first and foremost recognize that we may be saved, but we are saved sinners. We used to sin, and we still sin. That doesn’t mean we just keep our mouth shut and accept blatant sin that is shoved in our faces on a daily basis.
Some would have us believe that we who are “conservative” Christians are just too belligerent. We are trouble makers. We want to point out everyone’s sin but ours. Maybe that’s true of some, but it isn’t true of all. What are we supposed to do, just sit back and keep quiet? Keeping quiet is exactly why the church is in such a pitiful state today. Apostasy in today’s church is like a cankerous sore that is eating it alive from the inside out, and few are willing to use so much as a band-aide to draw attention to this terminal disease. Those who do, get “called on the carpet” for being unwilling to “get along.”
Jesus called us out to love one another, and He also said,
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Matthew 10:34-35
“The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” Luke 12:53
Now He is not sending us out to pick a fight with anyone who disagrees with us. He is simply saying that His Truth is so controversial and adamant it will cause divisions. The problem arises when so many who claim Him as Lord do not serve Him. They will not speak His Truth. They just want to compromise. When a few do speak the Truth they are labeled as trouble-makers. So be it.
Surely by now we can see what compromising has gotten us, major problems within the churches. When corruption is allowed to fester it will not heal, it will just continue to rot. This is where many of our churches in America are today, full of rot. No wonder Jesus will spew many out of His mouth. We stinketh!
The only thing that has even a sliver of a chance in postponing judgment on our churches and our country, for a short period, is repentance on our part. Otherwise, judgment is coming, and in my opinion, it will be here much sooner that most of us think.
God has always warned those He is about to judge, and we have warnings flying around like fireflies (lightning bugs) on a dark night. Unfortunately, too many of us aren’t seeing them. That isn’t God’s fault. They’re here. Look around. Get in the Word. Look around some more. Just don’t take too long.
I realize the following verse was written specifically to Israel, but it is still a promise we can depend on if we take Him seriously and repent.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Notice God isn’t addressing this to those who are not His. He is addressing this to His people, in our case, the Church.
Is judgment coming? Yes it is, but maybe He will postpone it for a short time if we would just admit to Him we have sinned and ask His forgiveness.
Grant Phillips