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There are some things in life that can be good or bad depending on the context.
Conflict would be one example of that.
Conflict can be a good thing.
That may sound difficult to believe but all through Scripture we have times where conflict led to a unique work of God.
I think of Acts 15 where there was conflict about circumcision which led to the encouragement and affirmation of Gentile believers.
Conflict can also be a bad thing.
We see that in Scripture as well.
I think of the conflict among the disciples about who would be the greatest.
Another example would be compromise.
Compromise is one of those things that can be good or bad depending on the context.
That is going to be our topic tonight.
Avoid Compromise
There is healthy compromise and unhealthy compromise.
Let’s look at a Biblical example of unhealthy compromise.
1 Samuel 13:5-14
Saul knew better.
He knew it was not his right nor position to offer a sacrifice.
That was only for the priests to do.
He says he “felt compelled” but the issue really was that he was afraid of the people leaving.
Because of his fear, Saul acted against the commands of God.
He compromised.
This is the type of compromise we need to avoid.
Go with me to Mark 2:1-12, where we are going to learn from the life of Jesus about avoiding compromise.
To avoid unhealthy compromise we pursue 4 goals.
Goal #1…
Stay Focused vv.
1-2
I love the end of verse 2. “He preached the Word to them.”
Jesus preached the Word.
This is one of the things He came to do.
Don’t compromise the mission God has given.
Stay focused.
Last week we talked about boundaries, when they are tested, stay focused on why you put them into place.
One of the big things that has helped Jess and I in our parenting is that we know our goal.
Our goal in parenting is to raise children who are able and equipped to reach people for Jesus in the world we live in.
Because we know our goal, we don’t shelter our kids, we equip them.
Knowing our goal helps us to stay focused when there are trials and difficulties.
This can be true in any number of situations.
However, here is the issue, you have to know why you do what you do.
In order to stay focused we must first know our goal.
What is the goal of your marriage?
Your parenting?
Your church attendance?
Why do you do the things that you do?
If we don’t have an answer to that question, unhealthy compromise is practically inevitable.
Comments or Questions?
To avoid unhealthy compromise we pursue 4 goals.
Goal #1: Stay focused.
Goal #2…
Take Decisive Action vv.
3-4
If anyone had an excuse to not do something, it is these guys.
They show up to take their friend to Jesus and the house is so full that no one could even get in the door.
Undeterred, they pull the roof apart to lower him down!
These friends were willing to tackle any obstacle to get their friend to Jesus.
Don’t allow excuses to lead to compromise.
If we say we are going to do something, do it.
Take decisive action to fulfill your obligations.
Now, some might argue that Saul, in our opening illustration, was doing this.
He was simply taking decisive action.
The problem was that he was taking action that violated what God had said.
The action we take must be Biblical.
Difficulties in relationships can tempt us to make unhealthy compromises.
We want to avoid conflict, so we don’t tell our spouse the truth about what we are feeling, thinking, or wanting.
We want to preserve a relationship and so we don’t speak clearly about Biblical truth.
We know we should discipline our child, but it’s been a long day.
These are examples of unhealthy compromise.
Excuses are never going to get us where we need to go.
Taking action will.
Comments or Questions?
To avoid unhealthy compromise we pursue 4 goals.
Goal #1: Stay focused.
Goal #2: Take Decisive Action
Goal #3…
Be Authentic vv.
5-7
Do you think Jesus knew how they were going to respond?
Definitely.
Jesus doesn’t alter His behavior or message to appeal to the religious elites.
He is authentic.
We need to be who we are no matter what.
Here’s what I mean.
Do not have different standards of behavior depending on who you are with.
I am not talking about being more relaxed with certain people or in certain situations.
What I mean is compromising our integrity or beliefs when we are with certain people.
Our identity as followers of Jesus should always be evident.
This doesn’t mean we introduce ourselves as a Christian, though we could.
It means that in our behavior, our language, and our attitude we are examples of Christ.
We do not compromise our beliefs or values no matter who we are with.
Even when misunderstood and mischaracterized, be authentic.
Jesus was called a glutton, a drunkard, and a demon-possessed sinner.
He did not allow those mischaractherizations to stop Him from doing what He was sent here to do.
Comments or Questions?
To avoid unhealthy compromise we pursue 4 goals.
Goal #1: Stay focused.
Goal #2: Take Decisive Action
Goal #3: Be Authentic
Goal #4…
Please God Alone vv.
8-12
Jesus essentially doubles down here.
Jesus didn’t back down from what was right.
He knows they are accusing Him of blasphemy in their hearts.
By the way, that was a crime punishable by death.
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