A little compromise never hurt anyone, did it?

I don’t mean the kind of beneficial compromising we do to make a relationship more harmonious or a business arrangement go more smoothly.

I’m getting at the negative type of compromising that often seeps into our Christian walk.

For instance, we might skimp on practices like Bible reading, praying, or even attending church if there are things we’d rather spend our time on.

At work, we might “go along to get along,” putting up with ethical practices that aren’t congruent with our Christian beliefs.

At school, we might keep quiet about issues we don’t agree with because we’d sooner not rock the boat.

In relationships with non-Christians, we might adopt behaviours that are at odds with our faith just to fit in.

Ring any bells?

We might think that these types of compromises are harmless, but our behaviours are actually sending messages, inadvertent though they may be.

1. Compromise sends the message to God that He’s not first place in our lives. We’re essentially saying that we’re fine with displeasing and disobeying Him because our popularity or our priorities are more important to us. We fear man more than we fear God. A bit of arrogance also creeps into our attitude: we’ll make our own decisions, thank you very much.

2. We also send a message to ourselves when we compromise. At first, compromising might give our conscience a twinge but with repeated exposures to the same behaviour, we habituate to it. It becomes our new normal. We’re sending a message to our conscience not to light up at this anymore, not to put up red flags. After this, compromising in a different area becomes that much easier.

3. The message we send to other Christians when we compromise must also be considered. Our discreditable behaviour sets an example for others to follow. We’re telling others that the sort of thing we’re doing is acceptable for believers to engage in. We might cause those newer in the faith to stumble.

4. What about our family? What message does it send our children when they see us compromise in our commitment to Christ? We’re teaching them that obeying Scripture isn’t really that important, that it’s fine if our own agenda takes priority over following Christ wholeheartedly. Have no doubt that our kids will follow suit.

5. Non-Christians receive also a message loud and clear when they see believers compromise on matters of faith. They see that we don’t stand up for what we believe in; we don’t have the courage of our convictions. The word “hypocrite” might float into their heads. We’re showing them that we can be bent to behave like the world does. They see that our commitment to Christ is rather fragile: we cave at the first whiff of temptation.

And what does all this do to the gospel message?

It becomes diluted because we’ve lost our credibility. And that’s a tragedy.

What’s the answer?

Take a page from an Old Testament hero, Daniel, who lived uncompromisingly for God no matter the cost. Some of you might remember a hymn about Daniel that was written in the 1870s. The chorus goes like this:

“Dare to be a Daniel!
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known!”

As for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD!

joshua 24:15

© 2025 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.