It isn't one of the fruit of the Spirit!

compromise [ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz]


n

1. settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides

2. the terms of such a settlement

3. something midway between two or more different things

4. an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc., to injury

vb

1. to settle (a dispute) by making concessions

2. (tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute

3. (tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weaken his behaviour compromised his chances

4. (tr) Obsolete to pledge mutually

[from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise]

compromiser n

compromisingly adv

It never ceases to amaze me how God works in the hearts of others to challenge my heart!  He used the speakers of yesterday to encourage and challenge me again to continue to live under the protective umbrella of what God expects of each believer...given to each of us in His Word.  About the time I start saying, "What...why...how...am I understanding this...?" Then we hear messages about Daniel and his friends...who wouldn't compromise!  "They wouldn't bend, they wouldn't bow...they didn't burn!"
We spend the morning service in junior church trying to communicate these same Biblical truths to our children, who are attacked from all sides all week.  We miss out on the preaching that we need to refresh our spirits and remind us of the urgency of God's message.  So we are grateful for the Sunday School hour and other services of the week.  You can't live a healthy spirit-filled life when you are not eating daily...and when you neglect being fed weekly.  We know...we've done it.  We have rationalized it.  God had to get our attention and focus back on Him.  He used some very direct ways!  When we compromise...what we know to be right...it always costs us something!  Have you counted the cost?  Are you prepared to pay the cost?  Do you think your choice will be worth the cost?
We are understanding God's Word.  We know what we need to learn.  We know why we live according to God's Word.  We know how to obey!  The message last night was exactly what I needed to hear!  In Galatians 5:19-26, there are two lists!  We always focus on the list of the fruit of the Spirit.  What about reading through the works of the flesh?  It is not a pretty picture.  When we live in our own strength, we end up with problems.  We end up living for ourselves and what we want.  Compromise comes easy then.  We begin by compromising in the little things...and soon those choices affect the big things!  We were asked the question in Sunday School:  Is God's way optional or mandatory?
God shows us the way.  He gave us the way, the truth and the life.  John 14.  God gives us the choice...but doesn't make us do anything.  If we are submitting to the Holy Spirit's work in our life, we will see fruit in our daily walk. We should then be "provoking one another" to also walk in the Spirit...not for vain glory or boasting...but because we are to be sharing Christ with others and encouraging others to grow...not compromise.