In the English dictionary compromise is stated as: 

• An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions

• Settle a dispute by mutual concession

• Accept standards that are lower than desirable

Keeping that definition in mind, let’s take a look at 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 TPT: “For God’s call on our lives is not to a life of compromise and perversion but a life surrounded in holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction isn’t rejecting human authority but God himself, who gives his precious gift-his Spirit of holiness.” 

Compromise involves two or more parties. When we compromise, the parties involved are us and the enemy. We can’t argue or dispute with God. We may get frustrated with Him but one cannot “fight” with God. God is perfect. He does not make mistakes, that is a human quality. Therefore, if we are compromising it is not with God it is against God with the enemy. 

But, when one compromises with the enemy you are the only one making concessions. You are the one accepting standards that are lower than desirable. 

A synonym of compromise is, cooperation. When we compromise our life of holiness we are in cooperation with the enemy. What are we compromising? What are we in cooperation with the enemy about? Writing this I can only speak to my own experience. Truthfully I am compromising in a few areas and I am actively reworking my mind to no longer compromise. I struggle with anxiety and fear of the future. I never struggled with this much growing up. It is a recent development in my life. Life happens and I lived in a pretty consistent environment of anxiety and fear for the last few years. Now that I have gotten out of that environment I am working on getting that environment out of me. 

We all are compromising in one or more areas in our lives; we are not perfect. But, knowing we are not and never will be perfect is no excuse to stop working towards a life of holiness. God gives us a lot of tools and He never leaves us during these moments. My lock screen right now says, “Note to self: I’m not walking through this season alone.” This is true in the natural and the spiritual. 

Ways to combat the compromise:

1. Read the Word of God 

   • Find a few scriptures to stand on that relate to your area of compromise

   • Make these scriptures visible in your daily life

2. Worship

   • Find a worship song that connects you to your life of holiness.

   • Here are two of mine:

     1. Gravity by Kristene DiMarco

     2. You’re Gonna Be Okay by Brian & Jenn Johnson

3. Surround yourself

   • Find a good word-based church

   • Friends who you can be honest with and trust

4. Journal 

   • Words are powerful and sometimes writing them down can give you new perspective

   • You can write/type what you are dealing with to help sort through it and reflect

5. Pray 

   • Both in English and the Holy Ghost

This is a short list of ways I combat my compromise. I hope it helps you. We do not have to live a life of compromise, we were designed for a life of holiness. “... God himself, who gives his precious gift-his Spirit of holiness.” Accept the gift He has freely given to us. 

Now, let’s take a step together to combat compromise. Start by identifying an area of compromise in your life. Write it down. Then take a look at the ‘Ways to Combat Compromise’ listed above, and do one of them. We can do this! We are not alone!

Confessions: 

I accept God’s precious gift - His Spirit of holiness. 

I am called to live a life surrounded in holiness. 

I am set apart by behavior that pleases Him.

I am empowered by Him to overcome temptation. 

I will not compromise with the enemy, I will operate in God’s authority He has given me. 

Posted 7/1/2022