Good Morning, so today as I am reflecting on compromise. Is it ok to compromise? To answer the question we must look at the meaning of the word.
- settle a dispute by mutual concession
- accept standards they are lower than desire
- being into a dispute or danger by indiscreet, foolish or reckless behavior
I thought of all the times I did or did not compromise and pondered on the things that I will not compromise on.
Take the picture above not me the cow behind me. I did not compromise on this my husband did. He does not really care for this picture too colorful for him. If it were up to him everything would be tan or brown. Several months ago my daughter brought this home to me as I love a little color. We teased him for a while and he finally relented/ compromised and let us put the picture up. Now do not think that it is one sided as I have compromised quite a bit myself. He is a collector and I am not so the majority of our decor and stuff he has accumulated and displayed. I compromised as well letting him have the major say so in decorating with myself throwing little pops of color here and there.
Areas where I feel we should not compromise are the word of God and our personal integrity. The Bible is very clear in how God expects us to live a holy life. I cannot say that I am perfect in this but I do strive to do my very best. I do not lie, steal murder etc. In today’s world it is very hard not to compromise. One of the things I failed at will seem small to some. I was addicted to the Game of Thrones. Excellent acting and in my genre that I enjoy. It was also full of all sorts of things I should not have been watching. I did ask God to forgive me and I know that he did. Then ahh The Witcher came out and I was so excited to see it. I watched for 5 episodes daily and then on the 6th God told me I was compromising again. I stopped watching half way thru that episode and have never watched it again. The newest show I refuse to watch is Yellowstone. I am sure it is a very entertaining show, however I already know the language is very vulgar so I will not watch. I know God would not approve I also know that vulgar language was one of the hardest habit for me to overcome. I slip up enough on my own when I am overwhelmed I certainly do not need to hear it that frequently.
I am loyal to my friends and family and I will not compromise their trust.
The final example of compromise is found in 2 Samuel 11. It is the story of David and Bathsheba. I will not repeat the whole story but King David sees Bathsheba bathing on the roof and wants her for his own. He compromised his own integrity and honor to God. Don’t forget that David is a man after God’s own heart. We find that Bathsheba becomes pregnant and when her husband will not compromise on his convictions and loyalty to his fellow soldiers David sends him into a compromising situation. This cost Uriah his very life. So, who suffers when we compromise? Many people can but we ourselves must suffer the consequences of our actions when we compromise. David suffered as did Bathsheba as the child born of their sin died. He lost God’s favor and the respect of many. David also repented of his sin and God continued to bless him. I thank God daily that he does forgive us.
I wish that all things could be in black and white. There are some things that are exactly that way. The ten commandments and any command of Jesus are generally black and white. We have diluted some of the word to suit our own rules. I wish it were not this way but it is.
So the answer to my above question is yes sometimes it is good to compromise, provided you are not violating God’s law. Other times you should not compromise. So the answer will depend on the circumstance.
How will we now when it is the right time to compromise or to stand strong? The Holy Spirit with lead us to the right answer. We must stay rooted in the word and continue to pray for his guidance in all things.
My prayer for you today is that if you are facing something that you know will compromise your relationship with God, someone else or yourself, the Holy Spirit will fill you with wisdom and conviction to turn away from it and hold ever so tightly to the Lord who strengthens us.
Coffee With Ms D 