BY JESSICA LANDMON
Compromise, in most instances, is usually a good thing. It is a way of finding common ground or a means to settling a dispute. Compromise is the key to healthy marriages and most relationships. It is necessary in politics and the business world. However, there is one place where compromise becomes destructive. It comes disguised as good intentions and packaged up beautifully under the label of love.
The Holy Spirit has been tugging at my heart for quite some time now, and I feel I need to share about a great deception occurring right before our very eyes. In an effort to reach all people, in an attempt to tear down the boundaries that keep the “unchurched” out of church, in a means to reach more souls for Jesus, a great compromise of truth is happening.
The Christian Church, yes the Christian Church, is sacrificing the very foundations of our faith to become more relevant and culturally acceptable in an attempt to lead people to Christ. Church has become more about creating a great experience for people, rather than allowing them to experience the true presence of God at work within us all. We have become so fearful that we will offend people, that we have ultimately offended and grieved the Holy Spirit.
“You will watch a generation of Christians – OF CHRISTIANS – set the Bible aside in an attempt to become more like Jesus. And stunningly it will sound completely plausible. This will be perhaps the cleverest of all the devil’s schemes in your generation. Sacrifice TRUTH for LOVE’s sake. And you will rise or fall based upon whether you will sacrifice one for the other. Will you have the courage to live in the tension of both TRUTH & LOVE?” – Beth Moore
We don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable, so we present feel good messages that resemble that of a life coach, and less like the words of Christ. We water down the Word of God and avoid the controversial and challenging parts. Ladies, I have news for you – the Word of God is offensive. In fact, that’s its very purpose.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:12-13
God’s Word has power. It exposes our sinful nature, and it helps us realize that we need a savior. His Word, along with the power of the Holy Spirit, is what brings us to Jesus. We are doing people a disservice by withholding the whole Gospel from them.
Yes, we are called to love. That is the greatest commandment. But, at what cost? Jesus never sacrificed truth for love. He was able to offer both, and He is the greatest evangelist of all times.
We need to check our hearts. We need to check our motivation. We cannot fear rejection from some because the truth is uncomfortable. Let’s love people so much that we present the whole Gospel to them. We will be accountable for the message we carry. Do you have the courage to take a stand in this generation and be a voice of both love and truth?
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14