(from Webster’s New World Dictionary)
~an adjustment of opposing principles,
systems, etc. in which part of each is given up
~to surrender or give up
Choices
surround us daily. Darts are thrown at us, tempting us. Will we compromise?
Will we swerve from our convictions? Will we surrender to the world? Or will we
stand firm where God has placed us?
Compromise
does not happen suddenly, but gradually by small, daily choices. Choices such
as:
“My
parents used to say we couldn’t watch this, but I’m probably old enough now.”
Don’t!
“This
is a special occasion. I don’t dress like this on a regular basis.”
Don’t!
“Maybe
this dress is a tad bit too short . .
.”
Don’t!
“Oops!
This book has a curse word. Oh well, I’m already half-way through.”
Don’t!
“Just
once won’t hurt.”
Don’t!
“What
would my friends think if I don’t join them?”
Don’t!
“I
just couldn’t tell them ‘no.’”
Don’t!
“I
don’t feel very comfortable doing this, but that’s just my personality.”
Don’t!
When
we are tempted to make a compromise, our choices lead us to do one of two
things: be conformed to the image of the world, or be transformed to the image
of Christ (Romans 12:2, And be not conformed
to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
God.).
As
a young girl: stick to the convictions and standards set by your parents. Do
not sway from them – even if “everybody else does it this way.” Honor their obedience
to God. (see Ephesians 5:1-3)
As
a young woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has placed in
your life. Do not second-guess yourself because of what others are doing, but
return to God’s Word to see what He says about each issue. (see 1 Corinthians
7:34a)
As
a married woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has led your
husband to take. Do not try to persuade him to change, but encourage him to
follow what God would have him to do. (see 1 Corinthians 7:34b)
Girls
and ladies, let us not be conformed to this world by following the patterns of
those around us, but be transformed to our Lord, renewing our minds daily by
the Word of God.
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