Compromising Christians

Usually, we look at compromise as a good thing. We want families and friends to get along well together, and certainly compromising is a good solution. We all give and take and it makes our relationships seem so much easier. But there is a different type of compromise that will tear down instead of build up – It is a compromising of our Christian values and beliefs. Let’s see what Jesus has to say to the compromising Christians at Pergamum, and also to those of us who are compromising our Christianity today.

[12] “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. [13] I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
[14] Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. [15] Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [16] Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
[17] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Rev 2:12-17 NIV

Those who were a part of the Pergamum church were in the midst of a pagan culture with an extreme amount of idolatry. The Scripture goes so far as to call it the place “where Satan has his throne,” so it must have been a very evil place. Yet even so, these Christians kept their faith. Interestingly enough, it seems you can have faith and still compromise, as these Christians did. It’s easy to understand that when you’re around sin all the time, your values can easily start slipping because, well, “Everyone else is doing it!” In this case they were worshipping false gods, but there was also sexual immorality. But just because something is common for those around you doesn’t mean it’s ok for you, as a Christian, to do the same. You are held to a higher standard, and that standard is Jesus. Don’t compare yourself to other people and think that you’re okay because you don’t sin as much as they do. Compare yourself with the perfect man, Jesus, and you will find that you always fall short. This word isn’t meant to condemn you, but to humble you. If you’ll open your heart to understand, it will show you your need for Jesus, because He is the only One who can transform you into His image. But when we choose to follow the world instead of God’s Word, we compromise. Then the only thing we can do, and must do, is to repent and turn back to God.

Those who turn back to God and overcome their compromising lifestyle will receive two very intimate things from Jesus. First, He will give you “hidden manna.” This hidden manna must be very precious to Jesus because not everyone gets it. They don’t even know where to look for it because it’s only revealed to those who overcome. The second is a white stone with a new name written on it. Can you imagine Jesus giving you a new name that is so special, it’s only known between the two of you? It’s like a lover whispering a pet name to his love – a secret that only they share. That’s the kind of intimacy you can have when you overcome a compromising lifestyle.

Where is Jesus speaking to your heart about a place of compromise? And what choices can you make to change your compromising heart to a heart of steadfast faithfulness? That’s what Jesus is calling you to do today.


~Lisa

Scripture references are from the New International Version.
@Copyright 2011 LVC Ministries, Inc.