Acceptance or Compromise
August 2012
There is a very thin line dividing acceptance and compromise. This is one of the most challenging areas in our Christian walk because we are called to reach out to the lost and love them, but we are also warned not to conform to the world. In our attempt to receive them for who they are, we also end up compromising our beliefs.
Our families, for instance, are the people closest to us, yet can be the most difficult people to win to Christ (unless you were raised in a solid Christian family). Because of our love and attachment to them, it is so easy to just let them be, hoping and praying that one day they will also surrender to Jesus. Because of our blood ties with our family, it is also difficult to say no to them when they want us to be where they are. Because we know them so well, we can easily sympathize with them to the point of not even having the boldness to correct them.
Where do we draw the line between acceptance and compromise? How do we continue loving others while correcting them and calling their sins for what they are?
First of all, we have to realize that as Christians we are called not to conform to the ways of the world. This means that we should not engage in any work of darkness. Secondly, we are also called as Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us for people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). Thus, we are required to warn others of their sin and share with them the good news of salvation and eternal life.
We have to be firm with our family and friends about our stand over certain issues based on what the Bible says. We have to let them know that it’s not what we think or feel but what God thinks and feels. Let them know what the Bible says about fornication, homosexuality, adultery, drunkenness, and other sins that will keep people from inheriting the Kingdom of God. Let them know about the things that please God and the rewards of following Him and His Word. Yet, talk about these issues with love, expressing to them your desire that you want to be with them in the life after. Understand where they are coming from without tolerating what they are doing. Keep reminding them of the truth. Let them know that you are always available for prayer or if they need you for some counsel.
When they share with you stories or incidents that are sinful such as sexual immorality (fornication, lust, adultery, homosexuality), be quick in reminding them of what the Bible says. This is going to be very challenging as they may feel you are judging them. A person very close to me recently had a baby out of wedlock and she is now living with her baby’s dad who she is not married to. Though I understand where she is coming from, and though I love her so much, I can’t make right what is wrong. She is living a life of fornication and that is against the Word of God. I am here for her when she needs me. But I also remind her every now and then of her wrong relationship. I told her recently that if she doesn’t start obeying the Lord, then her blessings will be hindered. I told her that I love her and I want to see her receive the fullness of God’s blessings for her life. She knows that I am not in favor of her relationship and will never be in favor of anything that is against the Word of God.
Is it easier for me to just ignore her sin and act as if everything is ok? Of course! My flesh will always choose what is easier. Yet, my spirit always prevails because I love Jesus and therefore I follow His commands.
We have to learn how to draw boundaries with people. We have to let them know where we stand. I love the way my husband told his ex-best friend that if he doesn’t choose Jesus, then he can’t be best friends with him anymore. He has been reaching out to this man for a very long time, even visiting him in prison for years. When he finally got out, he accepted and accommodated him into our own house, letting him freely use our garage. We treated him like our own family. Yet, he still didn’t choose the Lord. Finally, my husband put his foot down and told him that when he is ready for Jesus, then he can come back to him. He hasn’t returned since then.
Do your part in reaching out to your family and friends. Preach the Gospel to them. Show them the truth. Lead them to Jesus. Do this patiently and with love. Yet, don’t over extend yourself to them or you will be missing the opportunity to reach out to others who will receive the Lord. If after several attempts they still choose to ignore the message, shake the dust off your feet and move to the next person. Believe me, if they are serious about God and about changing, they will run after you and pursue you. Until that time comes, draw your boundary line and as I’ve said, let them know what your stand is. Then they will see that you are truly set apart.
~Lisa Maki~
Our families, for instance, are the people closest to us, yet can be the most difficult people to win to Christ (unless you were raised in a solid Christian family). Because of our love and attachment to them, it is so easy to just let them be, hoping and praying that one day they will also surrender to Jesus. Because of our blood ties with our family, it is also difficult to say no to them when they want us to be where they are. Because we know them so well, we can easily sympathize with them to the point of not even having the boldness to correct them.
Where do we draw the line between acceptance and compromise? How do we continue loving others while correcting them and calling their sins for what they are?
First of all, we have to realize that as Christians we are called not to conform to the ways of the world. This means that we should not engage in any work of darkness. Secondly, we are also called as Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us for people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). Thus, we are required to warn others of their sin and share with them the good news of salvation and eternal life.
We have to be firm with our family and friends about our stand over certain issues based on what the Bible says. We have to let them know that it’s not what we think or feel but what God thinks and feels. Let them know what the Bible says about fornication, homosexuality, adultery, drunkenness, and other sins that will keep people from inheriting the Kingdom of God. Let them know about the things that please God and the rewards of following Him and His Word. Yet, talk about these issues with love, expressing to them your desire that you want to be with them in the life after. Understand where they are coming from without tolerating what they are doing. Keep reminding them of the truth. Let them know that you are always available for prayer or if they need you for some counsel.
When they share with you stories or incidents that are sinful such as sexual immorality (fornication, lust, adultery, homosexuality), be quick in reminding them of what the Bible says. This is going to be very challenging as they may feel you are judging them. A person very close to me recently had a baby out of wedlock and she is now living with her baby’s dad who she is not married to. Though I understand where she is coming from, and though I love her so much, I can’t make right what is wrong. She is living a life of fornication and that is against the Word of God. I am here for her when she needs me. But I also remind her every now and then of her wrong relationship. I told her recently that if she doesn’t start obeying the Lord, then her blessings will be hindered. I told her that I love her and I want to see her receive the fullness of God’s blessings for her life. She knows that I am not in favor of her relationship and will never be in favor of anything that is against the Word of God.
Is it easier for me to just ignore her sin and act as if everything is ok? Of course! My flesh will always choose what is easier. Yet, my spirit always prevails because I love Jesus and therefore I follow His commands.
We have to learn how to draw boundaries with people. We have to let them know where we stand. I love the way my husband told his ex-best friend that if he doesn’t choose Jesus, then he can’t be best friends with him anymore. He has been reaching out to this man for a very long time, even visiting him in prison for years. When he finally got out, he accepted and accommodated him into our own house, letting him freely use our garage. We treated him like our own family. Yet, he still didn’t choose the Lord. Finally, my husband put his foot down and told him that when he is ready for Jesus, then he can come back to him. He hasn’t returned since then.
Do your part in reaching out to your family and friends. Preach the Gospel to them. Show them the truth. Lead them to Jesus. Do this patiently and with love. Yet, don’t over extend yourself to them or you will be missing the opportunity to reach out to others who will receive the Lord. If after several attempts they still choose to ignore the message, shake the dust off your feet and move to the next person. Believe me, if they are serious about God and about changing, they will run after you and pursue you. Until that time comes, draw your boundary line and as I’ve said, let them know what your stand is. Then they will see that you are truly set apart.
~Lisa Maki~
