Do Not Compromise
Several times a day, I find myself in a position of compromise. Sometimes I pick up the remote when there is a teenager that wants to talk (because I had a long day and deserve time to chill out). Sometimes I click on a link on Facebook or Twitter that I know will take me to a place where I will waste time. Sometimes my mouth slips out words that have no uplifting purpose and will be empty or derogatory. Sometimes I lean my head back to 'close my eyes for just a minute' knowing that when I do I will fall fast asleep and not finish what I set out to accomplish.
When the Israelites who had been taken captive to Babylon were returning under the leadership of Ezra, they began to compromise their activities. Years before they had been taken into captivity, God had made it known that they should not intermarry with the people of the land. They were not to enter into peace treaties or except riches as part of a compromise. They were to remain focused on obedience. Upon their return, Ezra realized that the same disobedience that led to the destruction of their land and the Temple had crept back in to their society. The princes, priests, and leaders were some of the worst offenders. They had created family alliances through marriage. They had accepted peace offerings out of fear. Greed had turned them to turn away from the commandments God had given them during the journey out of Egypt. The same problems that led them into the captivity were facing them again Ezra led the nation to realize that disobedience would lead to destruction. And disobedience begins with compromise.
Oh, a little idle time won't hurt. I'll only watch this show once (well, maybe I'll record the series so I can skim through commercials and waste less time). I'll surf the internet for less time today than yesterday. Tomorrow, I'll be less disobedient. "Less disobedient" is still disobedient. I pray that in my words, actions, relationships, and time I WILL NOT COMPROMISE. I pray that I will be humbled and obedient. I pray that I will not make the compromises that led me in to captivity the first time.
When the Israelites who had been taken captive to Babylon were returning under the leadership of Ezra, they began to compromise their activities. Years before they had been taken into captivity, God had made it known that they should not intermarry with the people of the land. They were not to enter into peace treaties or except riches as part of a compromise. They were to remain focused on obedience. Upon their return, Ezra realized that the same disobedience that led to the destruction of their land and the Temple had crept back in to their society. The princes, priests, and leaders were some of the worst offenders. They had created family alliances through marriage. They had accepted peace offerings out of fear. Greed had turned them to turn away from the commandments God had given them during the journey out of Egypt. The same problems that led them into the captivity were facing them again Ezra led the nation to realize that disobedience would lead to destruction. And disobedience begins with compromise.
Oh, a little idle time won't hurt. I'll only watch this show once (well, maybe I'll record the series so I can skim through commercials and waste less time). I'll surf the internet for less time today than yesterday. Tomorrow, I'll be less disobedient. "Less disobedient" is still disobedient. I pray that in my words, actions, relationships, and time I WILL NOT COMPROMISE. I pray that I will be humbled and obedient. I pray that I will not make the compromises that led me in to captivity the first time.
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