COMPROMISE

“Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” I Samuel 2:22.

“For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile (Hebrew — drew a curse upon themselves), and he restrained them not.” I Samuel 3:13.

Compromise knows no bounds! Perhaps Eli thought they were just “sowing wild oats” and would come around with age. Perhaps he did not want to stifle their egos. Eli knew they were a bad example: “Nay, sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.” I Samuel 2:24.

The compromiser and the object of compromise are a bad example to others! Let’s take the Christian parents who allow their children to come to a church or fellowship meeting looking like the world. The boys may have long hair, a ring in the ear and baseball cap turned backward. The girls may wear a miniskirt or short-shorts, indicative of the “busters” of the ‘90s. Both are at fault! The parents fail to restrain them and the rebellious offspring have their own way.

Notice in I Samuel 3:13 above: such actions “drew a curse upon themselves.” The curse is set forth in I Samuel, Chapter 4. Eli fell and broke his neck (4:18), his sons were slaughtered, his daughter-in-law died, but gave birth to Ichabod (Hebrew — no honor). The glory departed from Israel (I Samuel 4:21-22). Compromise brings vanquishment and defeat!

This curse was upon Eli, his sons and their wives, and the entire nation.

The curse of compromise brings religious delusions. (II Timothy 4:2-4). The sure foundation of Christ often gives way to material signs and wonders. The compromiser becomes a sign seeker. Faith gives way to emotion, great religious works, physical healing, vocal gifts and earthly prosperity. Read Matthew 7:21-23.

The “falling away” that Paul speaks of in II Thessalonians 2:3 is not an instantaneous act. It is a series of errors beginning with compromise. Next the believer begins to associate the things of the Spirit with tangible or earthly things. The compromiser sees Satan and demon activity rather than God’s judgment of correction.

The compromiser trusts “feelings” over “faith!” Often the phrase “I feel the Spirit in this place” is used. Feelings and emotion become a form of carnal idolatry!

The compromiser rejects anything “negative” and accepts only that which is “positive.”

Compromise promotes a spiritual sleep. I Thessalonians 5:6. This condition cultivates an unawareness of true spiritual conditions. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” I Thessalonians 5:6.

1. Avoid compromise or spiritual sleep.
2. “Watch” or be alert to false teachers. I Timothy 1:3.
3. “Be sober” or serious, not given to frivolity.

The world is laughing itself into hell! Some laugh at any and everything.

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