Critical Compromise

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? 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 6:9-10)

The Kingdom of God that Paul talks about in our text, is the realm of believers who are born again in Christ Jesus. (John 3:1-7) That's how we come into the Kingdom of God. And it is a "righteous" Kingdom, because God is a righteous, holy God (1 Peter 1:15-16) who cannot tolerate sin. (Psalm 5:4)

I believe that the church today is involved in what I call " a critical compromise." Paul teaches the Christians at Corinth that being involved in these unrighteous acts will keep them (and us) from entering the Kingdom of God. There cannot be any allowance of these things in the Christian community.

I agree with Paul's strategy in trying to restore someone who is overtaken in a trespass. We are to try and "restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." (Galatians 6:1) But if this one refuses to repent, and turn from this sinful activity, the Christian community is not to keep company with them. (1 Corinthians 5:11)

We cannot compromise what God's Word teaches concerning these immoral acts. If the church (the bride of Christ) is to be ready when (Christ the Bride-groom) returns, we must discipline ourselves to be pure, and mature, when He takes us home to be with Him for eternity. It's a time for correction, and cleansing, not compromise! GP)

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Are You Comfortable With Your Compromise?

 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”( Joshua 24:14-15)

I was astonished at how angry God became, after the people of Israel built the golden calf, and worshiped it. (Exodus 32:9) And because of this compromising act, 3000 people were killed. (Exodus 32:28)

God does not want His people putting anything ahead of Him.
"You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)
So as Christians, what does this say to us today? It is evident in the lives of Christians today that God is not first in their lives, but so many other things are.

I see it in our interest in studying the Bible, in coming to worship, in sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, in living a Christian lifestyle, instead of a worldly lifestyle. It seems to me, that we have become comfortable with our compromise.

It has become acceptable to be halfhearted, lukewarm, and preoccupied with the things of the world, instead of placing the things of God as first and foremost in our lives.

Joshua made a commitment for him and his family. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" We should make the same statement, and stand by it! GP

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