There has to be a “No compromise” stance when it comes to walking with God. People may say that is extreme, but to be honest following Jesus has always been extreme.
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he (Jesus) said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The bible says some pretty blunt things. God doesn’t mince His words. His Yes is Yes, and His No is No. There are no shifting shadows or compromise in Him. “ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
He says, “I wish that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3-15-16)
God expects it to be very clear to others searching for truth or even simply observing, that there is something different between those who believe and follow Jesus, and those who don’t yet know Him. The world and all those in it desperately need people to be sincere and the “real deal” about their faith.
If we believe in Jesus, then we need to understand that people around us are searching for answers, they need hope and comfort, and to see the Blessing in operation in our lives. People need to see Jesus, and for us to show them the way to Him. But sadly too often they quite simply can’t tell the difference between those who profess to know Jesus, and those who don’t!
Why is that? Perhaps it is because people want to play in both playgrounds; to dabble in the things of Heaven as well as the World.
Whether we like it or not, our choices are going to affect somebody. We can choose faith or fear, righteousness or unrighteousness, compromise or steadfastness in our relationship with Jesus. It’s our choice!
However the devil doesn’t want us to choose which play ground. He pretends we can dabble in both, because he knows compromise will eventually leave us powerless, and far from our God given destiny and purpose. He negotiates and cajoles, encouraging us to make concessions in what we believe until we can hardly tell the difference between right and wrong, and are left in a confused “no man’s land”.
But one person deciding they will live a life of “No Compromise” is going to affect others and make a difference in this world.
If just one person gets to the top of their mountain; one person breaks out of the pack. If one person says, “I’m not going to bow, I’m not going to be lax, I’m not going to cheat on my partner, I’m not going to sleep around, I’m not going to be one of the crowd, I’m not doing that. When they say that, when they choose the road of “No Compromise” they are on their way to the top, affecting everyone for good along the way.
Now that might not be popular, people will say that is extreme. But guess what? If you are going to be all that God has made you to be, then you can’t worry about what other people are saying and doing.
Instead you are to live your life in a way that pleases God, even if that is extreme to some people. God chose you to make it to the top, to stand out for Him. To shine! The devil won’t be able to stop you; no threat, no fear or misfortune will be able to stop you.
God is looking. No, He is expecting that we will rise above every adversity, every disappointment, every offence, and every weakness; that we will get to the top, and overcome.
It won’t be in our own ability, or our own resources, knowledge or wisdom. But in seeking after and desiring to please Jesus. Then we tap into His love, strength, and supernatural ability residing within us, which enables us to live a life of “No Compromise”. Then we don’t “give a hoot” what other people may think or say about us, because His love compels us, and we realize that “greater is He that is in us”, (1 John 4:4).
“In the day when I cried out, you answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Isn’t it about time we chose the way of “No Compromise?” That we became the “real deal”. No plan B – just Jesus. Knowing that if we stumble we don’t just go back to our old ways, but run to God, and allow Him to “dust us off” and get us right back out there again.
“Though he stumbles, he will not fall down flat, for the LORD will hold up his hand.” (Psalm 37:24)
It’s not the easy road. It is a road that may challenge and stretch us at times. But it is also the road that enhances our strength and potential, and embraces life. It is a road that has immense joy and peace on it.
Choose today to make the change, and begin to walk the path of “No Compromise”
Prayer: Lord forgive me where I have been compromising. Please help me to be a person who knows what, and in whom they believe, and who doesn’t negotiate or make concessions in following you. Help me to be a person who walks the path of “No Compromise”. In Jesus Name Amen.