What the Bible says about Compromise

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

I read this article and if I am not doing the copyright thing right, please let me know or correct it. I didn't write this. But the whole article is good and wanted to discuss it. This sort of goes along with the thread @Saint posted about lying, but I thought maybe this needed its own thread. It is a good read...

What does the Bible say about compromise? | GotQuestions.org

Copyright 2002-2021 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved

Question: "What does the Bible say about compromise?"

Answer: To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a prevalent set of standards or rules. The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards: “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. 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. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully” (Psalm 119:1-4, NLT). The word joyful or blessed describes people of righteousness, those who are totally subservient to God’s will and wholeheartedly devoted in their relationship to Him. We do not compromise or deviate from His standards but “walk only in His path.” We hear only God’s voice (1 Kings 18:21; John 8:47; John 10:27), and we do not yield to or permit any deviation from His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 119:128; Revelation 22:18-19). Not compromising requires our unswerving submission to Him and to Him only, regardless of the world’s concession to godlessness (Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 119:15).

As believers, we must “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8; see also Hebrews 3:12). We are also commanded to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we are commanded not only to remain faithful to the Word but to defend it and correct those who are in opposition to it (2 Timothy 2:24-25). God is serious about our not compromising His Word with the values of the world—the reason being that those outside of Christ may then “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil …” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Then there are those who profess to being Christians, yet live lives not in keeping with the precepts of the Scripture, i.e., compromising their biblical beliefs by living like the world. For them, the things of the world and its sensual allurements take precedence over the Word of God (Acts 20:30; 1 John 2:16-19). Jesus referred to these people as “those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19). These are the ones who, though professing to follow Christ, compromise their faith by craving worldly success and accolades from their fellow man. Jesus chastised such people who rationalized their questionable behavior: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44). In other words, to compromise in one’s total allegiance and devotion to God is to allow the allurements of this world, with its accompanying worries, to take precedence over Christ (Matthew 6:24).

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

This part is continued, but is the focus I wanted to bring out:

How do we compromise the Word of God?

• When we fail to accept the Word: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

• When we place our desires, and that of others, ahead of the Word of God: “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4).

As true believers in Christ, we must accept God’s Word as absolute, inerrant truth (2 Timothy 3:16). We must be fully obedient to His Word (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). And we must recognize that His Word is not to be compromised for any reason or for anyone (Deuteronomy 17:11; Proverbs 24:7; Revelation 3:15).

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

The bold parts are sort of like the summary points of the article for the skimmers like me. LOL.

@Hidden In Him @Pearl @Nancy @amadeus @FluffyYellowDuck @April_Rose @charity @amigo de christo @Grunt Hemlock @Devin Wintch

And sorry. My head has been hurting a lot lately, but wanted to tag some to it, because it is a subject on my heart. So everyone is welcome. Just peeps on the top of my head. Not pointing y'all out or anything as compromising. LOL. I'd like to hear what people think on this important subject.... God bless!

Wrangler · Apr 6, 2021

Thomas Jefferson said when it comes to principles stand like the rock when it comes to fashion flow like the river.

Another quip is to get along you have to go along. If you don’t compromise, you won’t get along with people. Take Christians of other denominations, for instance. The core principle may be the same but the infighting of less weighty matters is toxic.

I have friends of different denominations. We achieve peace by not trying to convert one another.

Another point is influence. If you ‘tell people like it is’ beyond their willingness to hear, you are not helping them but alienating them. I think one of the best ways to look at compromise is from the standpoint of authority. Fact is, we have much less authority over others than our speech indicates. The main thing needing to be compromised is mostly our own ego.

DuckieLady · Apr 6, 2021

I think it's a good word, but I think we also have to be careful about distinguishing between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation isn't from God - "For there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Conviction is often from the Holy Spirit. We don't want to put ourselves in a place of feeling guilty for everything. And that can get easy for us to do!

I taught my son this using Jiminy Cricket as an example. All along the way in Pinocchio, Jiminy is acting as Pinocchio's conscience and he's just going around like, "Hey! Are you sure you want to do that?" and Pinocchio is like "PFFT. Shush yo face, Cricket." We have to not be the "Shush yo face, Cricket" people.

So I tell my boy, "If you feel that little uncomfortable guilt when you're doing something you know you shouldn't, you best be listening. That might be God helping you."

In the same way, I believe that the Holy Spirit acts as our conscience and helps guide us. (Whether to go right or left.) So it's important that we listen to those uncomfortable guilt feelings sometimes, see if it lines up with scripture, so that we know we're on the right path. And most of the time, we're probably up to no good.

We don't want to compromise through passive disobedience, either. When we know what is good, but choose not to see it. It gets really easy to get caught up in something in the world that you know is evil in the eyes of God and say, "I'm fine."

Well, how many people in the world die from drunk drivers because someone said "I'm fine." They know the law but they ignore it. We need to trust God's law more than our own.

Hebrews 3:5
As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

John 16:12-15

“I have so much more to tell you, but it is too much for you to accept now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future. The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me by telling you what he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will tell you what he receives from me."

Nancy · Apr 6, 2021

Mayflower said:
I read this article and if I am not doing the copyright thing right, please let me know or correct it. I didn't write this. But the whole article is good and wanted to discuss it. This sort of goes along with the thread @Saint posted about lying, but I thought maybe this needed its own thread. It is a good read...

What does the Bible say about compromise? | GotQuestions.org

Copyright 2002-2021 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved

Question: "What does the Bible say about compromise?"

Answer: To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a prevalent set of standards or rules. The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards: “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. 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. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully” (Psalm 119:1-4, NLT). The word joyful or blessed describes people of righteousness, those who are totally subservient to God’s will and wholeheartedly devoted in their relationship to Him. We do not compromise or deviate from His standards but “walk only in His path.” We hear only God’s voice (1 Kings 18:21; John 8:47; John 10:27), and we do not yield to or permit any deviation from His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 119:128; Revelation 22:18-19). Not compromising requires our unswerving submission to Him and to Him only, regardless of the world’s concession to godlessness (Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 119:15).

As believers, we must “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8; see also Hebrews 3:12). We are also commanded to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we are commanded not only to remain faithful to the Word but to defend it and correct those who are in opposition to it (2 Timothy 2:24-25). God is serious about our not compromising His Word with the values of the world—the reason being that those outside of Christ may then “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil …” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Then there are those who profess to being Christians, yet live lives not in keeping with the precepts of the Scripture, i.e., compromising their biblical beliefs by living like the world. For them, the things of the world and its sensual allurements take precedence over the Word of God (Acts 20:30; 1 John 2:16-19). Jesus referred to these people as “those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19). These are the ones who, though professing to follow Christ, compromise their faith by craving worldly success and accolades from their fellow man. Jesus chastised such people who rationalized their questionable behavior: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44). In other words, to compromise in one’s total allegiance and devotion to God is to allow the allurements of this world, with its accompanying worries, to take precedence over Christ (Matthew 6:24).

Well gosh, seems as if this article and your posts touch on just about all things that some compromise their faith with

I know there are tons of scripture verses pertaining to this and, here's one that get's to the heart of the matter for real!

1 Chronicles 10:13
"So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance."

James 4:17
"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

1 Chronicles 10:13
"So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance."

NO COMPROMISE!!!!!

Wrangler · Apr 6, 2021

Nancy said:
NO COMPROMISE!!!!!

The driver of prolific Protestant denominating.

Does the Bible say anything about unity, peace and patience with those of differing opinions? Rom 14:1, 13; Jam 4:11-12

Nancy · Apr 6, 2021

Wrangler said:
The driver of prolific Protestant denominating.

Does the Bible say anything about unity, peace and patience with those of differing opinions? Rom 14:1, 13; Jam 4:11-12

Hi Wrangler,
I'm not following you here...

Hidden In Him · Apr 6, 2021

Mayflower said:
I read this article and if I am not doing the copyright thing right, please let me know or correct it. I didn't write this. But the whole article is good and wanted to discuss it. This sort of goes along with the thread @Saint posted about lying, but I thought maybe this needed its own thread. It is a good read...

What does the Bible say about compromise? | GotQuestions.org

Copyright 2002-2021 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved

Question: "What does the Bible say about compromise?"

Answer: To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a prevalent set of standards or rules. The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards: “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. 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. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully” (Psalm 119:1-4, NLT). The word joyful or blessed describes people of righteousness, those who are totally subservient to God’s will and wholeheartedly devoted in their relationship to Him. We do not compromise or deviate from His standards but “walk only in His path.” We hear only God’s voice (1 Kings 18:21; John 8:47; John 10:27), and we do not yield to or permit any deviation from His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 119:128; Revelation 22:18-19). Not compromising requires our unswerving submission to Him and to Him only, regardless of the world’s concession to godlessness (Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 119:15).

As believers, we must “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8; see also Hebrews 3:12). We are also commanded to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we are commanded not only to remain faithful to the Word but to defend it and correct those who are in opposition to it (2 Timothy 2:24-25). God is serious about our not compromising His Word with the values of the world—the reason being that those outside of Christ may then “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil …” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Then there are those who profess to being Christians, yet live lives not in keeping with the precepts of the Scripture, i.e., compromising their biblical beliefs by living like the world. For them, the things of the world and its sensual allurements take precedence over the Word of God (Acts 20:30; 1 John 2:16-19). Jesus referred to these people as “those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19). These are the ones who, though professing to follow Christ, compromise their faith by craving worldly success and accolades from their fellow man. Jesus chastised such people who rationalized their questionable behavior: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44). In other words, to compromise in one’s total allegiance and devotion to God is to allow the allurements of this world, with its accompanying worries, to take precedence over Christ (Matthew 6:24).

Mayflower said:
This part is continued, but is the focus I wanted to bring out:

How do we compromise the Word of God?

• When we fail to accept the Word: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

• When we place our desires, and that of others, ahead of the Word of God: “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4).

As true believers in Christ, we must accept God’s Word as absolute, inerrant truth (2 Timothy 3:16). We must be fully obedient to His Word (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). And we must recognize that His Word is not to be compromised for any reason or for anyone (Deuteronomy 17:11; Proverbs 24:7; Revelation 3:15).

I suppose if I had to give my input, there is a danger of being judgmental in condemning something (especially in others) that is not necessarily quite as bad as it appears to be on the surface. Paul dealt with such matters in his letters. The eating of meat sacrificed to demons was generally considered to be a gross sin for most Christians, but at one point he defended those who took the stand that a demon was nothing and that it was really just meat and couldn't harm you spiritually by eating it. But he made it clear that those who saw it that way should not look down on anyone who got freaked out about seeing them eat it, while the ones not eating should not condemn the ones who were. It was about being considerate of one another's different perspectives, so as not to cause each other to sin or feel rejected, for as the scripture says, "What a man does by faith, he does unto God."

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

Hidden In Him said:
I suppose if I had to give my input, there is a danger of being judgmental in condemning something (especially in others) that is not necessarily quite as bad as it appears to be on the surface. Paul dealt with such matters in his letters. The eating of meat sacrificed to demons was generally considered to be a gross sin for most Christians, but at one point he defended those who took the stand that a demon was nothing and that it was really just meat and couldn't harm you spiritually by eating it. But he made it clear that those who saw it that way should not look down on anyone who got freaked out about seeing them eat it, while the ones not eating should not condemn the ones who were. It was about being considerate of one another's different perspectives, so as not to cause each other to sin or feel rejected, for as the scripture says, "What a man does by faith, he does unto God."

Maybe this goes back to "white lies" and not being killed by a bride in white on her wedding day by calling her fat. LOL. I'm not really sure though. I'd rather be quiet if I doubted any

Jay Ross · Apr 6, 2021

Hello,

God does not require us to compromise our faith in Him to get along with people. Christ said that we will be harassed and taken to court and even killed for believing in Him,.

Sadly, many people want to be liked by others and so we chose to compromise our relationship with God in order to be liked by the people living around us, to be accepted by the community at large.

As Christian we must respect the law of the land and suffer the consequences of the specified punishments if we believe that in following the law of the land it compromises our relationship with God/Christ.

Sadly, today, our biblically based translations are being rewritten to accommodate politically perceived correctness in speech and concepts of the people who live around us.

To be able to live in God's earth, we must do so within the boundary conditions of His statutes with respect to His earth.

However, possession and power gained by ownership of a particular piece of dirt by the nation of Israel, which was promised as a sign covenant to confirm for them that God was indeed promising to give to His Saints, at the end of this present Age of the Ages, the whole earth, has been turned through compromising God's Statutes, into an Idol that is more important than having an honest and working relationship with the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, such that they believed that if their head was turned towards God while their backs were not, that God would not be able to see their iniquities and disinherit them from His Covenantal Promises to their fathers.

The reality is that there is nothing new under the sun as all is but vanity in the things that we compromise in our relationship with God.

Shalom

Hidden In Him · Apr 6, 2021

Mayflower said:
Maybe this goes back to "white lies" and not being killed by a bride in white on her wedding day by calling her fat. LOL. I'm not really sure though. I'd rather be quiet if I doubted any

I'd rather be alive than make a monstrous mistake, based solely on principle (0:24+)

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

. I taught my son this using Jiminy Cricket as an example. All along the way in Pinocchio, Jiminy is acting as Pinocchio's conscience and he's just going around like, "Hey! Are you sure you want to do that?" and Pinocchio is like "PFFT. Shush yo face, Cricket." We have to not be the "Shush yo face, Cricket" people.

So I tell my boy, "If you feel that little uncomfortable guilt when you're doing something you know you shouldn't, you best be listening. That might be God helping you."

In the same way, I believe that the Holy Spirit acts as our conscience and helps guide us. (Whether to go right or left.) So it's important that we listen to those uncomfortable guilt feelings sometimes, see if it lines up with scripture, so that we know we're on the right path. And most of the time, we're probably up to no good.

Yeh this right here is wisdom. Exactly what I am thinking Kesa. Lawdy help me not be a cricket though. LOL.

quietthinker · Apr 6, 2021

Wrangler said:
The driver of prolific Protestant denominating.

Does the Bible say anything about unity, peace and patience with those of differing opinions? Rom 14:1, 13; Jam 4:11-12

If the argument of lack of unity is used to compromise what we know is right, we play the devils game!

quietthinker · Apr 6, 2021

Nancy said:
Hi Wrangler,
I'm not following you here...

a decoy using a denominational divide.

Enoch111 · Apr 6, 2021

Wrangler said:
Does the Bible say anything about unity, peace and patience with those of differing opinions? Rom 14:1, 13; Jam 4:11-12

When it comes to Gospel truth and Bible truth, opinions do not matter. Scripture is all that matters. So if someone comes along to deny Gospel truths and Bible truths, there can be absolutely no unity. In fact there will be division.

Mayflower · Apr 6, 2021

I would add that truth should be said in love also though... I think someone can say the truth not in love or not at all, and have those same guilt feelings as one can get telling a lie. My main thought though is like Kesa's.

"If you feel that little uncomfortable guilt when you're doing something you know you shouldn't (or should) you best be listening. That might be God helping you."

quietthinker · Apr 6, 2021

It is assumed that people do not know what is right and therefore must be told.....from this springs the justification to endlessly push ones point in the face of opposition.....as is witnessed on these boards.

I would say that people do know what is right far more than we assume they don't.

There is a saying 'speaking truth to power' assuming power doesn't know truth. I think in this one is being played with. Power knows truth yet refuses to take notice. The principle is the same in the community at large.

You can be assured that if you are keeping God's Commandments it won't go unnoticed by those around you....thats a given. It can be equally stated if it is not noticed, one is not keeping God's Commandments.

DuckieLady · Apr 6, 2021

Mayflower said:
Maybe this goes back to "white lies" and not being killed by a bride in white on her wedding day by calling her fat. LOL. I'm not really sure though. I'd rather be quiet if I doubted any

I got the opposite... lol. Got told to pack my dress and I would have rather nothing had been said. Especially after, because it was too late and by then there was nothing I could do about it! You wear it once for an hour and then it doesn't matter.

Same thing with my yaeba and people asking questions about vampires. "You look sick ... You look tired ... You're too skinny ... Are you anorexic? Are you a vampire? Are you going to get your teeth fixed? You need to eat more."

I don't know if I would ever want another wedding because of pictures. If there's pictures I have to see them forever and then be embarrassed about them being around.

Mayflower said:
I would add that truth should be said in love also though... I think someone can say the truth not in love or not at all, and have those same guilt feelings as one can get telling a lie. My main thought though is like Kesa's.

"If you feel that little uncomfortable guilt when you're doing something you know you shouldn't (or should) you best be listening. That might be God helping you."

It helps me a lot to keep in the back of my mind! I needed to remember that today. lol

amadeus · Apr 6, 2021

@Mayflower

How far are we able to make it all alone? Probably even the most self-sufficient person in the flesh gets lonely at times. Someone needed for company even if both present are mostly silent. Jesus was a man like we are and undoubtedly felt lonely also in his flesh as we do... but when it comes to our walk with God...? Jesus did provide us with an example of "no compromise" in spite of yearning for one friend or brother/sister in the flesh to walk with us on our journey toward God.

Jesus spoke some hard things about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which many were unable to understand. Many of his disciples indeed walked "no more with him".

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" John 6:66-67

He wanted them all with him, but he would not compromise in order to keep them with them even if it meant walking on with not even one other man with him. Can we do that? Have we ever been required to do that... walk alone without a single person in the flesh being with us? God of course is always here, but sometimes when we want a bit of encouragement from a person and there is no one...?

What the Bible says about Compromise

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