Christian Living

---

NO COMPROMISE

By Chuck Johnson


Too many times today Christians are willing to compromise their faith for any number of reasons. Maybe they just want to fit in, be one of the gang, or perhaps they are unaware that a little leaven, leavens the whole loaf. It might be that they don't want to offend someone. Whatever the reason, there seems to be an epidemic of lukewarm compromising Christians who taint the Gospel, reflect poorly on our Heavenly Father and lose their ability to be salt and light to the world.

We as Christians should strive to be Christ-like in our words and actions. Being a Christian isn't just a title; it is a life-style. It is not who you are but rather what you are. Your life should shine as an example to those around you. Your testimony should not have to be verbalized for someone to know you're a Christian. Your actions should speak much louder than your words!

If you are an employee, you should do your job as unto the Lord! You should not come to work late, leave early, abuse policies such as sick leave or purchasing privileges, or raid the supply cabinet because your children need school supplies.

You should not take part in crude jokes; your language should reflect grace and dignity. When a wrong occurs you can't just look the other way. If you are in a position of authority you must act with integrity; and you must lead by example.

I once heard it said, that if you don't stand for something, then you will fall for anything. Now, I am not saying, that you will never falter or slip. We are still human. But our first response should not be to make excuses for our behavior but to make atonement for it - to be quick to repent.

The Word of God is perfect. Yet too many times we try to adapt it to the choices we make rather than making choices that are in agreement with the Word. God's Word is our never-changing moral compass. And just like mariners depend on the North Star to navigate by, we must use the word of the living God to guide our lives.

Jesus told us that not one jot nor tittle would pass from His Word until the end of time. The belief in situational theology so many "Christians" have today is for the birds. God transcends time. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is omniscient. He knows all! He created the end from the beginning. Nothing catches God off-guard. If he called an action sin, then it was sin when He said it, and it is still sin today. "Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil..." (Isaiah 5:20).

I have heard a great many people try to justify certain actions or behaviors by rationalizing that times have changed, therefore God has changed. What a confused, misguided and dangerous view to hold! Murder is still murder. Lying is still lying. Adultery is still adultery. Homosexuality is still homosexuality. Stealing is still stealing, etc. etc. "...Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). In case you are unfamiliar with this passage of scripture, it was written to the church, not the unbeliever.

We as believers who name the name of Christ must continually strive to live a life above reproach. I have had friends and acquaintances in the past that have tried to live with one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in the world, but this just doesn't work. Is the light of Christ in you shining bright into their lives? Or is the darkness of their lives overshadowing your light?!

God wants us on fire for Him. However, if we can't be on fire, He would rather us be cold. He can work with and through us in either one of these conditions. It's when we're lukewarm that it's a problem. Have you ever noticed how extremely hot water and extremely cold water have similar effects on us? They both get us moving in a hurry. However, lukewarm water just kind of relaxes us; it makes us comfortable. We just feel like everything is all right. I'm a good person. I go to church on Easter and Christmas. I even put a few bucks in the plate. Complacency is a dangerous place to be! You're not on fire for God, and you aren't hungering for Him. You just think everything is all right. " So then because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spew you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:16). This is a very scary thought, indeed! We are in the world but not of the world. " Do not love the world nor the things in the world..." ( 1John 2:15).

All of us are born with a sin nature. Our natural man struggles against the things of God. We cannot however justify our actions by saying, "God made us this way." God did not give us a sin nature. Our sin nature came from Adam. You cannot make justification for your ungodly choices. You may have a propensity to steal, or you may have a problem with alcohol. Perhaps you have homosexual tendencies, or maybe you can't seem to fight the urge to commit adultery. Whatever the temptation you can be assured that it is not God who is tempting you ( James 1:13). And God did not make you that way. What He did was make a way out for you through the shed-blood of His Son (1 John 2:2, 4:10).

We live in a nation, which, contrary to popular yet errant teachings today, was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. The real concern is the misunderstanding by a multitude of people, that by merely being born in this country you are automatically a Christian. We are all GOD'S creation, however we are not all His children. You become His child only through the acceptance of His Son Jesus Christ ( John 3:16, Romans 8:15).

I must also caution that, just because a church has Christ in its title or a cross on top of its building does not mean you will receive the truth inside. There is a spirit of antichrist, which is swiftly moving through many churches today. Remember, you will know them by their fruits. If you have never tasted of a perfectly ripened fruit, how will you know the good from the bad? You must study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15).

So many people today look for solace in a church. But what they are really looking for is an orator who will tickle their ears with the words they want to hear, rather than a man of God who will preach the words of God that will prick their hearts. In addition, too many "pastors" see the ministry as a vocation rather than a calling. Therefore, they are afraid to tell the truth of God's Word. They would rather be popular than offend anyone. But we must remember, that Jesus himself is the Rock of Offence (Isaiah 8:14, Romans 9:33). We must also remember that the Apostles did not volunteer; they were called. You must find a church where the uncompromising, unadulterated Word of the living God is taught, and sink deep roots into the ground there.

So how then should we act? We should live so that the light of Christ shines so brightly through us that people are drawn to it like a moth to a lamp. Let people see the difference in your life, and then be ready at all times to give a reason for the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15).

Committing to and walking an uncompromising life is not easy, nor will it make you popular, but consider the alternative (Revelation 20:15)!

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE