{"id":20838,"date":"2020-08-05T19:46:27","date_gmt":"2020-08-06T00:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/?p=20838"},"modified":"2020-08-05T19:46:54","modified_gmt":"2020-08-06T00:46:54","slug":"compromise-only-the-strong-can-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/compromise-only-the-strong-can-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Compromise: Only the strong can do it"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cI implore Euodia and I implore Eyntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord\u201d (Philippians 4:2).\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 You ladies, get together!<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do\u201d (Colossians 3:12-13).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christians, we of all people should know how to love the unlovely and to be gentle and fair with those with whom we disagree.<\/p>\n

The First Baptist Church of Kenner, Louisiana is bordered on one side by Williams Boulevard and on the other by Clay Street.\u00a0 In between, intersecting the church property is the wonderfully named Compromise Street.<\/em>\u00a0 I have no idea why the city fathers gave it that name, but I love it.\u00a0 I served that church from 1990 to 2004 and enjoyed calling the attention of the congregation to this asphalted reminder of how intelligent people are supposed to work together.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s people are expected to be of one mind, to live in harmony.\u00a0 As we represent Christ in the world and do His work, by the very nature of who we are and what we are charged to do, we will often be required to compromise.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss that…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

God\u2019s people will often have to compromise.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Do a little word study and you get two different meanings to the word.\u00a0 Most places say simply that it\u2019s \u201ccom\u201d plus \u201cpromise,\u201d and thus \u201cpledging together.\u201d\u00a0 But we can break it down a little further.\u00a0\u00a0Com<\/em>\u00a0does mean together.\u00a0\u00a0Pro<\/em>\u00a0means forward, or in behalf of.\u00a0 And the\u00a0Miss<\/em>\u00a0means to send.\u00a0 A promise literally is \u201ca word sent forth of a deed which is to follow.\u201d\u00a0 Historically, when nations could not agree, they would send a few men forward to act on their behalf.\u00a0 They would work together.\u00a0 Hence, a compromise.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan two walk together,\u201d asked the prophet, \u201cunless they agree?\u201d (Amos 3:3).<\/p>\n

For years I have treasured an exchange in Marilyn vos Savant\u2019s column in Parade<\/em> magazine on this subject.\u00a0 It\u2019s from August 2, 1998.\u00a0 (She is reputed to have the highest IQ ever recorded, and has done a column in this magazine for decades.)<\/p>\n

Stan of Fort Worth, TX:<\/strong>\u00a0 I\u00a0do not believe in hierarchy\u2013that the authority is always right.\u00a0 I always question authority, communicate honestly and bluntly, and refuse to compromise when I believe I am right.\u00a0 However, I have doubts that I will ever succeed as I want to succeed.\u00a0 What is the probability that I will succeed?<\/em><\/p>\n

Marilyn vos Savant:<\/strong> \u00a0Zero.\u00a0 Because you refuse to compromise when you believe you are right.\u00a0 When do you compromise?\u00a0 When you believe you\u2019re wrong or not sure? That\u2019s not compromising at all. There are plenty of times when both sides are right, and those are the times to compromise.<\/em><\/p>\n

That is profound and deserves a few moments of reflection.<\/p>\n

When do you compromise?<\/p>\n

If we compromise only when we believe we are in the wrong, that\u2019s not compromise, but simply yielding to the superior position.\u00a0 Compromise involves giving in when I think my side is right.<\/p>\n

“There are plenty of times when both sides are right.”\u00a0 Shall we buy this house or that one?\u00a0 Take this job or that one?\u00a0 Have one child or two?\u00a0 Wear this shirt or that one?\u00a0 Eat at the restaurant or dine at home?<\/p>\n

Some issues are not right or wrong but a matter of opinion.\u00a0 Those are the times when the strong will show how it’s done.<\/p>\n

The strong person can submit. The stronger can give in and go along with another for the greater good.<\/p>\n

The weak wants what he wants.\u00a0 The weaker will always insist on getting his way.<\/p>\n

To many, compromise is a dirty word. And that\u2019s most unfair and unfortunate. We all compromise every day of our lives, and we should.<\/p>\n

Two drivers want the same lane.\u00a0 One compromises and yields to the other.\u00a0 If he doesn\u2019t, if both drivers insist on claiming the space, nothing good comes from it.\u00a0 Once a motorist has learned the pain and trouble and cost of a traffic accident, he\/she learns to compromise.<\/p>\n

Husbands and wives compromise all the time.\u00a0 What movie shall we see? What shall we have for dinner tonight? Do we buy a\u00a0 Camry or an Accord? Shall we allow Junior to attend that event?\u00a0 The couple who cannot compromise\u2013i.e., get together on making a decision when they disagree\u2013is headed for big trouble.<\/p>\n

The best definition of compromise I know is\u00a0the ability to submit to another even when you believe you are correct, for the greater good.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Submission is a big deal in Holy Scripture.\u00a0 Ephesians 5:21 commands us to \u201csubmit to one another in the fear of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are a few observations on the subject\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013We do not compromise on the essentials of the faith.\u00a0 Scripture is inspired of God, Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, salvation is by grace through faith, and so forth. We recall Martin Luther’s famous “Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”<\/p>\n

Some issues are life or death.\u00a0 No compromise.<\/p>\n

\u2013We compromise on lesser matters, situations where the best solution is a matter of personal choice or individual opinion.\u00a0 Which color carpet is best?\u00a0 Should we vacation in the mountains or on the beach?\u00a0 Which college should the daughter attend?<\/p>\n

\u2013The very idea of submitting to another strikes some people as weakness.\u00a0 But they\u2019re wrong. We submit every day of our lives.\u00a0 Today, as I write, I sat in the dentist’s chair and submitted myself to the ministrations of Mallory who took x-rays and then cleaned my teeth, followed by the dentist who checked her work and informed me of what’s ahead.\u00a0 It was uncomfortable, it cost money, and I did not enjoy it.\u00a0 But I would do it again.\u00a0 That’s not weakness; that’s strength.\u00a0 (I actually know people who avoid dentists out of fear.\u00a0 That is weakness.)<\/p>\n

\u2013Only the strongest can submit.\u00a0 The weak will insist on getting his own way.<\/p>\n

Two motorists met in the middle of a one-lane bridge.\u00a0 The first leans out his window and yells, \u201cI never back up for fools!\u201d\u00a0 The second throws his car into reverse and calls out, \u201cI always do.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Which driver was the stronger?\u00a0 Answer: The one who gave in.\u00a0 But the one who got his way will drive away thinking he won the day.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t.\u00a0 He is the weak link today.<\/p>\n

\u2013We submit for the greater good.\u00a0 When a church is making a decision and having a tough time of it, two things can happen. Either they can learn the power of submitting to one another or they can destroy the fellowship by insisting on their own way.\u00a0 We have all seen both scenarios.<\/p>\n

\u2013Somewhere\u2013I\u2019ve not found exactly where\u2013Martin Luther is said to have spoken about the left handed power of God.<\/em>\u00a0 Now, right-handed power would be the power of the fist, do this or else, the threat of punishment.\u00a0 Left-handed power is the power of love and humility, of submission and service.\u00a0 The Lord Jesus exhibited this power when He gave Himself for our sins.\u00a0 It looks like weakness, to be sure, but it’s the very epitome of strength and self-control.<\/p>\n

Simon Peter pulled out a sword and took off the ear of a soldier arresting Jesus.\u00a0 Our Lord rebuked him and said, \u201cDidn\u2019t you know that if I asked the Father, He would give me twelve legions of angels?\u201d (Matthew 26:53)\u00a0 The gospel song says, \u201cHe could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone, for you and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

When our Lord was nailed to the cross, His executioners taunted Him and the crowd jeered at Him. \u201cHe saved others, but He can\u2019t saved Himself!\u201d They cursed Him, spat at Him, laughed at His weakness.\u00a0 “He saved others but can’t save Himself!”<\/p>\n

On the cross, Jesus seemed the very embodiment of weakness.\u00a0 And yet, as we know, He was never stronger than when He hung on the cross, bearing the sins of humanity.\u00a0 ...when He was reviled, did not revile in return;\u00a0 when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously…<\/em> (I Peter 2:23).<\/p>\n

Jesus Christ is our example, our Role Model.\u00a0 The carnal mind cannot accept this because \u201cit is hostile to God\u201d (Romans 8:7).<\/p>\n

–The carnal mind is not interested in being of the same mind, but in winning.<\/p>\n

–The carnal mind does not care for the greater good\u2013the health of the Church, the winning of souls, the glory of God\u2013but only for getting its own way.<\/p>\n

–The carnal must never be put in leadership positions in a church. Elect the immature and uncontrolled and the Lord’s work will pay a great price.\u00a0 Many a church and too many pastors have learned this the hard way.<\/p>\n

When looking for someone mature to put in charge…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perhaps you are electing deacons or committee members, appointing Sunday School teachers or choosing mentors.\u00a0 You will be wanting only the mature in such critical positions.\u00a0 How to tell is your challenge.\u00a0 Discernment is golden.<\/p>\n

Here is one way<\/em>: Ask the individual to tell you the last time they compromised with someone in order to get agreement on some decision.\u00a0 This will tell you whether they can work together with others or always have to be in control.<\/p>\n

Also, when running references on someone, ask: Tell me of a time he\/she disagreed with someone and gave in for the better good.\u00a0<\/em> You’ll know in a heartbeat whether they are strong or weak.<\/p>\n

Lord, please send godly and mature leadership to Your churches.\u00a0 Amen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cI implore Euodia and I implore Eyntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord\u201d (Philippians 4:2).\u00a0\u00a0 You ladies, get together! \u201cTherefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-church-leadership","category-healthy-church"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20838"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20897,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20838\/revisions\/20897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemckeever.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}