As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are called to accurately represent Him wherever we go. To do that, we must know His Word and listen to the Holy Spirit--our Governor. We represent His Kingdom without compromise. I used to hear the phrase, "If God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!". Yes, that is true! We don't get to read God's Constitution to His people and cross out the words we don't agree with, or edit it to suit our feelings. Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is Truth. John 17:17 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:18-19
When it comes to our human relationships--marriage, friendships, family, work, etc--they require compromise to survive and thrive. But those compromises come out of our soul--that is our mind, will and emotions. Those compromises usually come down to being unselfish and and preferring what the other person wants over your own wants and desires. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV
But as Kingdom citizens, we must never compromise God's Word, His principles and standards. We do not compromise our spirit and our relationship with our Lord and King for anyone! If we do, it grieves the Holy Spirit--our Governor. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NKJV
God's Constitution never changes, even though our culture, our world, does. One of the responsibilities of a citizen of God's Kingdom is to be a standard, raised high everywhere we go, representing our Lord and His Kingdom. "Raising a standard" refers to a physical symbol of something that represented their values and their principles; a flag, emblematic figure, or other object raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point of an army. Raising a standard gives people a focus point to follow and not get lost or off track. That is why it is so important that we do not compromise on God's Word directing our lives and behavior. People are watching. They need to see us living what we speak about! They need to see that God's Word is Truth--His laws, principles and blessings. You are that standard in your circle! You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16
Refusing to compromise on God's Word does not come easy. It may bring on threats and even danger. But trust the Lord God to bring you through! Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their unwillingness to compromise and bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol. Daniel 3 You probably know the story, but read it again, understanding the importance of standing firm on the Lord God's Word. Know that when you refuse to compromise His Word and standards, He will take care of you! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26b-27
We are living in a time when the world demands that all thoughts and beliefs bow to their beliefs. They want followers of Jesus Christ to compromise on all that He taught. We must be knowledgeable of all that He tells us in God's Constitution and familiar with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must stay focused and single minded in our purpose. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8
There is no compromising God's Word. We don't have the editorial rights to change what the Lord God has said! But we do have a responsibility to represent our King without compromise. If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 NKJV
The effects of compromising our belief in God's Word are insidious. People may say, "What's the big deal?" or "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill" or even "Just do it, you don't have to really agree with it. No one will know the difference".
It does matter and God knows.
Compromise is a slippery slope. Spiritual compromises makes room for doubt. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Before long, you will have drifted far from His Presence. We have seen stories in the news about pastors leaving their calling, some saying they don't even believe in God or, tragically, committing suicide.
It started with a small spiritual compromise.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
Remember, when you compromise to get along with the world, you are yoking yourself with it, rather than the Lord God and His Son Jesus. Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,
Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
When it comes to our human relationships--marriage, friendships, family, work, etc--they require compromise to survive and thrive. But those compromises come out of our soul--that is our mind, will and emotions. Those compromises usually come down to being unselfish and and preferring what the other person wants over your own wants and desires. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV
But as Kingdom citizens, we must never compromise God's Word, His principles and standards. We do not compromise our spirit and our relationship with our Lord and King for anyone! If we do, it grieves the Holy Spirit--our Governor. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NKJV
God's Constitution never changes, even though our culture, our world, does. One of the responsibilities of a citizen of God's Kingdom is to be a standard, raised high everywhere we go, representing our Lord and His Kingdom. "Raising a standard" refers to a physical symbol of something that represented their values and their principles; a flag, emblematic figure, or other object raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point of an army. Raising a standard gives people a focus point to follow and not get lost or off track. That is why it is so important that we do not compromise on God's Word directing our lives and behavior. People are watching. They need to see us living what we speak about! They need to see that God's Word is Truth--His laws, principles and blessings. You are that standard in your circle! You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16
Refusing to compromise on God's Word does not come easy. It may bring on threats and even danger. But trust the Lord God to bring you through! Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their unwillingness to compromise and bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol. Daniel 3 You probably know the story, but read it again, understanding the importance of standing firm on the Lord God's Word. Know that when you refuse to compromise His Word and standards, He will take care of you! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26b-27
We are living in a time when the world demands that all thoughts and beliefs bow to their beliefs. They want followers of Jesus Christ to compromise on all that He taught. We must be knowledgeable of all that He tells us in God's Constitution and familiar with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must stay focused and single minded in our purpose. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8
There is no compromising God's Word. We don't have the editorial rights to change what the Lord God has said! But we do have a responsibility to represent our King without compromise. If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 NKJV
The effects of compromising our belief in God's Word are insidious. People may say, "What's the big deal?" or "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill" or even "Just do it, you don't have to really agree with it. No one will know the difference".
It does matter and God knows.
Compromise is a slippery slope. Spiritual compromises makes room for doubt. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Before long, you will have drifted far from His Presence. We have seen stories in the news about pastors leaving their calling, some saying they don't even believe in God or, tragically, committing suicide.
It started with a small spiritual compromise.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
Remember, when you compromise to get along with the world, you are yoking yourself with it, rather than the Lord God and His Son Jesus. Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,
Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
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