Discerning Compromise
By: Maxine M.

Compromise…a surrendering, giving in to another’s way; meeting half way
Mutually dissolving an argument, ceasing of hostility, uniting of ideas, respect on display
In marriage, business, politics, friendships we learn the art of compromise every day

Taking the BEST of each other’s argument & ideas and blending them together as one
Compromise can greatly advance our daily agenda…helping in what MUST be done
For every individual has a uniqueness from which we can learn…a “mind change” has thus begun

But we can keep our individualism even as on other points of view we reflect
You may be surprised what you can learn by compromise…instead of the NARROW vision collect
By analyzing a concept we’ve never before considered, a new perspective we may select

But, there are areas in which we should NEVER think of compromising at all
Moral issues aren’t up for debate…not if you’ve ever truly answered Christ’s call
Our devotion should never waver…our faith STEADFAST, able to sustain the long haul

It won’t hurt you just this once, you deserve this, it’s only a little white lie
How often do we justify our actions, soothe our conscience with these words of excuse we apply
For temptations allure, compromise seems so easy, our fidelity readily deny

That risqué movie looks so enticing…what harm could it possibly do?
Not realizing Satan can gain an inroad to your mind through WHAT you view
Your memory has now recorded images for later temptation…you know that’s true

The golf course is calling, but you have a Sunday school class to teach
You could call your substitute with an excuse…give a convincing speech
But you invited the boy next door; NOW what decision will you & compromise reach?

You’re young, in love, emotions run high…one day you WILL be married, you logically surmise
But tonight you’re in passion’s embrace so you willfully compromise
Now life has a way of CHANGING and the future may hold an uncertain “surprise”

Know someone who loves to agitate and make you miserable through sarcasm & classic put-down?
Now an occasion has arisen when you can get your revenge on this clown
But you know God says “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” and that these actions would make your Saviour frown

So do you compromise, disobey, knowing how it will affect your spiritual relationship?
That sweet fellowship we long for will suffer…pray that this reprisal we’re able to skip
Thus standing FIRM in our faith…relying on the strength with which He will equip

Now the best way to avoid spiritual compromise is to be certain of WHAT is true
Know WHAT you believe and believe WHAT you know…UNYIELDING to doctrines that are new
STAND solidly on the message of the cross…Salvation through Christ’s sacrifice for YOU

Don’t follow the compromising voices we hear from many churches today
A “feel good” gospel of peace & prosperity, plus a push to redefine marriage under way
“Tolerance” is taught and Heaven by WORKS, when “I am the Way” is what Jesus had to say

Be steadfast in watching & EXPECTANTLY waiting for Christ’s imminent return
Undeterred by scoffers, attention on the already fulfilled prophecies we discern
And the promises yet to be realized will make our heart, with anticipation, burn

Now if you want Chinese and your spouse Italian pizza, compromise with an American steak
You want a sea-side vacation & they prefer the mountains, how about a trip through the desert partake
A compromise can bring you both pleasure…it’s about being together, for goodness sake!

Yes!! Stubborn wills can be blended…a determination to compromise is all it will take
But faithfulness to our Saviour and the Holy Sacrifice He was so willing to make
Leaves NO ROOM for compromise of the Gospel…which opens the door to doctrines OBVIOUSLY fake

We must consciously resolve to remain steadfast, unwavering in the loyalty we swear
Undeterred by the soothing, alluring voices of compromise we hear out there
Prepare daily to enter the Kingdom of God, to which through Christ we’ve become an heir