COMPROMISE - Jan. 9th, 2008

"A settlement of differences by mutual concession". When we compromise, we are in essence saying that the differences we had with the opposing party are negotiable. In some cases, this is positive progress for everyone involved. We've all seen major corporations dealing with a striking union. The writers in Hollywood are a perfect example and I'm sure for all of you "LOST" fans, your hoping for a settlement really soon!
The problem arises when the opposing party is endeavoring to loosen our grip on what we might call a "non negotiable". Hopefully, all of us have at lease one "non negotiable" in our commitment cupboard.
I think of the three Hebrew children. If they would only compromise, they would not burn. If they would simply bow down to the kings false god at his orchestrated command, their safety would be secured. For them; however, this was a "non negotiable". Their integrity with the true God was move valuable than their flesh! The king heated up the fiery furnace seven times hotter and threw these uncompromising committed into the fire. We all know the "rest of the story". You can read it in Daniel 3.
They did not bow.
They did not burn.
The Son of God showed up in the fire with them.
Their bonds were loosed.
The king acknowledged their God as the true God.
They were promoted in the kingdom.
There are some things that are more valuable than life itself. A few days ago, a prisoner in the Texas prison system was exonerated of a crime through DNA testing. He spent 20 plus years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Every year the parole board tried to get him to admit to the crime so they could eventually parole him. They were looking for a compromise. Every year, his integrity was more valuable than his freedom. The truth was more important.
There are some things that should be "non negotiable" in our lives as well. The enemy of our soul is always trying to lure us into a "compromising position"."Resist him steadfast in the faith." (1 Peter 5:9a)
I'm not bowing... how about you?

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam