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COMPROMISE: ACCEPTING STANDARDS LOWER THAN DESIRABLE
O how I remember my first car! I had been looking in car lots, deciding color, make, MOTOR SIZE, etc. knowing what I wanted. Then one weekend my parents went to Lincoln Ne and came back with what was my new car. It was NOT what I had in mind in any areas. It was a 1961 medium blue Corvair. The only compromise I was given was “here is your car, and you get to pay for it”. However, even 58 years later, that was probably the best car and learning experience with a vehicle I ever had and wish I still had the car today. In life we are faced with frequent decision points to either compromise or not in our day to day lives. Our old original sinful nature passed on to us from Adam, is always present, but we do not have to give in or compromise to it. God gave us a way out: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) We often try to compromise in simple areas of the world because we don’t like or find God’s standards too restrictive, or what the world may think of us if we try to be different, or we stand out from others. Remember, Jesus’ message of salvation has never changed and is as relevant today as when he died for us that we could be holy in all we do; Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; (1 Peter 1:13-15) Our compromise may not involve wholesale sell-out to the world, but it subtly and quietly invades our life when we accommodate it. We don’t toss Jesus out with the bath water so to speak, but we allow those little new idols of life to take a place on the shelf of our life, beside Jesus. Just another object of worship right, no harm, right, we still have Jesus, right? WRONG! 1 Peter 1:14 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; It is ok to compromise in some areas, like carpet color, paint color, scheduling a trip or family vacation, but we can never compromise on the values that Christ set for us; our Christian faith, faithfully following and preaching the Word, our one and only Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, and our morals as defined by the scriptures. We must actively pursue a deeper relationship with God, resisting compromise. Philippians 2:12 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. The world is redefining marriage; abortion; teaching God in our schools, and on and on the list goes for us to be worldly and politically correct. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) What are you compromising to the world? 1 Peter 1:16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” May we conform to the Cross of Christ, without Compromise. Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerry Schmid
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AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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