Compromise: Truth's Worst Enemy

(Editor's Note: This blog was written by Jonathan Stagg who is interning with The Stand's Engage division.)

Compromise is often the enemy of truth. In its subtle way, while sounding reasonable to many, compromise often inserts false ideas intertwined with the truth. Eventually, the lies are so connected with truth that they become impossible to separate. Only with the Lord’s help can we see through these lies.

The “coexist” mindset, for example, is a common philosophy that many in our culture adhere to. It frees them from the responsibility of confronting wrong world views and allows them to live however they choose. The “tolerance” movement (though it does not tolerate views that differ from it) has been extremely detrimental to our culture through its spirit of moral relativism. If that was not bad enough, it has now moved beyond the passive “live and let live” mantra to an active one of “tolerate my views or be suppressed.” Secular culture is no longer content to quietly celebrate sinful living. Now it demands everyone else openly accept and applaud sin or be persecuted.

Is it acceptable to compromise our beliefs or at least let the world do as it pleases so that we can live out our faith quietly to avoid standing out? Ephesians 5:11 says “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” We must always stand for truth and never compromise on it.

There are times when compromise can be a good thing. On preferential matters, it is okay to compromise for the sake of unity. Sometimes compromise is necessary to accomplish a task when dealing with several people who have many diverse perspectives. Knowing when to compromise and when to hold firm to your ideas can be a tricky thing. These are matters that require much prayer and searching of Scripture to find wisdom.

What is black and white is that compromising on the truths of Scripture in every shape and form is always wrong. The Bible is our one firm unalterable source of truth amid a river of ever-changing opinions. If we compromise on the truths of the Bible, we have nothing to base our lives on. The world is constantly pushing and pulling us to be open-minded and learn to see beyond the narrow, outdated view of Scripture. Matthew 7:13-14 says,

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The fear of opposition or of the consequences of taking a firm stand for truth can tempt us to cave in and compromise. This is never a reason to compromise. Fear is what Satan will use to try to destroy us. The world fears the truth and tries to conceal it by any means necessary. We have the truth on our side and just need to let it shine. John 8:31-32 says,

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

God’s truth is the only thing that can free this world from the bondage of sin. It can be extremely hard to stand for truth when those around you are openly accepting the world’s lies. We must be bold in our faith and yet speak the truth in love. The presentation is as important as the message. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:2, “If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” We must boldly share truth but do it in a kind, respectful manner or our truth will sound as empty as the lies of the world.