Is compromising a destructive, or constructive activity? Churchill once stated, “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile–hoping it will eat him last.” Clearly, the dangers of compromise arise when we allow it to infringe upon our values and God’s Word. Yet, greater motivation to concede arises when we risk peer approval and/or fear losing something we deeply desire. Considering the costs of our actions can help us during these times:

Strength Dwindles: The potency of our testimony as a witness for Christ is diluted when our actions don’t match our words. Are we more inclined to compromise our convictions when among friends, socializing with coworkers, or facing loneliness? We will always stand strongest when our desires for acceptance & gratification are established in Christ over man (Proverbs 29:25).

Stability Diminishes: Our certainty in Jesus & His inerrant Word is our only firm foundation. Anything else eventually breaks, rots, or ends (Psalm 127:1). Are we compromising any of the time, talents & treasures entrusted to us in an attempt to secure & solidify our kingdom over His? Infractions to our time with God, health, family relations & financial stewardship serve as good clues for us to examine.

Safety Decreases: God’s commandments don’t restrict, but protect. Like guardrails along a winding road, they help keep us safe & from swerving off course (Proverbs 2:8). When we ignore, or compromise them we invite the very consequences God desires to guard us from.

Application: “Monitoring Motivations“- Galatians 1:10
Compromise should never require us to surrender our biblical principals. If so, whatever being sought is not worth what it promises. Are we struggling with any compromising situations? If so, considering our motivations can help. Will our actions serve as a bridge to bring others closer to Christ, or as a blockade built by temporal satisfactions?