Compromise
Tim Haile
In matters where there are no rigid guidelines and no absolute standard of right and wrong, compromise can be a useful and productive thing. In matters of human judgment, marriage partners, business partners and others may arrive at mutually agreeable positions by a certain amount of give and take. In such areas compromise can actually be a noble and commendable thing. The way of Christ, however, is not governed by human opinion, but by the unchangeable and inflexible word of God. It is "forever settled in Heaven" (Psa. 119:89). Religion, thus, stands in a unique classification. It operates under the auspices of divine law. This law is communicated to humans in "the book" (the Bible). And the Bible is an absolute standard of faith and practice. In the scope of things about which God has spoken, we are to speak “as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11), and we are to “abide in the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9). In this realm there can be NO COMPROMISE. Those who refuse to abide (remain) in the teaching of Christ “have not God” (2 John 9). This means that they have no fellowship with God.Failing to define true Bible love, and failing to balance love with other requirements, religious people have developed a generally tendency to receive others into their religious fellowship even if it means compromising with sin and error. The Bible tells us that this type of compromise is sinful. Let us consider a couple of key passages:
2 John 10-11 - After teaching saints the necessity of abiding in the doctrine of Christ, John states the consequence of our compromising with others who refuse to bring the doctrine of Christ. He says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Some people are surprised that this passage is even in the New Testament. However, it is as much there as is John 3:16, and it is penned by the very same writer (John)! Along with the warning that is taught explicitly in this passage (against receiving errorists), notice also the implicit warning: If one “partakes” in wickedness by “receiving” those who do not bring the teaching of Christ, then what is the result for the one who receives the one who received the false teacher? He becomes as guilty as the first man! The lesson for us? God’s word is pure and holy (Prov. 30:5) and it is not to be tampered with (Prov. 30:6). God does not want us to excuse those who teach and do things that are contrary to what He tells us in His word. Compromise is no virtue in such instances.
Ephesians 5:11 - tells us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, reprove them.” Rather than compromise with false teachers, we should instead “admonish” them, and if they refuse to repent of their sins and errors we should “mark and avoid” them (Rom. 16:17,18; Tit. 3:10,11). A curse is pronounced upon those who modify God’s word (Galatians 1:8,9). This modification is usually done by adding to, or taking from God’s word. This practice is condemned in both Testaments of the Bible (Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18,19). When people so tamper with the precious word of God, we must avoid becoming “partakers” in their sins (1 Tim. 5:22). We must oppose them; not approve them. We must reprove them: not accept them. This is sometimes difficult. When we are tempted to compromise the Truth, let us remind ourselves that God does not accept those who refuse to repent of their sins. And we certainly aren't greater than God!
Parkway Church of Christ, 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Worship Times: Sundays at 10:00AM and 6:00PM - Bible Study: Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM. Radio: Sundays at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com.
Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ
