Compromise
Compromise is almost always a step in the wrong direction. This is always true when we compromise on truth and/or righteousness. When we decide to compromise, we know what we should do, but we decide to change what we should do to include part of what is wrong. Therefore, to compromise on truth and righteousness is sin. In fact, it is willful, intentional sin, which is worse than just falling into sin unintentionally. Solomon's downfall was his decision to compromise about his wives. First, he should not have had more than one wife. Then, he really sinned by marrying wives who were not believers in the One True God. He knew what he was doing was wrong, too. (II Chronicles 8:11) After he finished building the temple of God, he promoted true worship there, but he compromised with his wives. The daughter of Pharaoh was living in the house of David, where the ark of the Lord had been. Solomon knew that place was holy, or set apart to God. Therefore, it was wrong for a pagan to be there. Instead of seeking to have her and his other wives worship only God, he made houses for them, and they could carry on their false religion there. That compromise led the wisest man ever into all kinds of sins, and it led to his downfall. The same thing will happen to us today, as believers, if we compromise on God's will and His ways.
God's ways are prefect. God shows us His ways and His will, because it is what is best for us to have the abundant Christian life. We have the Bible to show us God's instruction, and every believer has the Holy Spirit to guide us. Therefore, we are without excuse. If we fail to know the Bible, we are guilty, and if we fail to do what we know is right, it is sin. Also, if we try to change God's Word, and do it in our own way, like Solomon did, we are sinning. We must not talk ourselves into compromising on God's will in any way. One little compromise leads to more and more sin, and we get farther and farther from God. Please, don't let Satan, the world, or the flesh lead you into compromises that will destroy your life.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 9-11.