Compromise: An Introduction

I like to play computer games. To be more specific, Real Time Strategy games (RTS). I like it because its really fun to plan war strategies and all. I am not a master at it-just a novice-but I like it all the same. I have seen a few strategies being employed. One of these is called ‘Turtling’. As the name suggests, it involves defending your base behind an impregnable wall of defensive structures and units while building up a really strong force. Most of the time, there is one flaw. The defenses are mainly focused outwards and therefore at the forefront of the base. Usually (not always), the interior and rear of the base is undefended or lightly defended. People assume that since they are at the corner of the map, the enemy can’t touch those areas. I know I am getting a bit harpy on this but follow my train of thought awhile. In most RTS games, there are usually units/soldiers that have teleporting technology, stealth technology or the ability to disguise as a friendly unit. One way to take out a ‘turtler’ is to somehow sneak one of these soldiers into the lightly defended spots and wreak havoc. Basically, it is about destroying the base from inside out. (Note: again, I am not an expert in games. This is just my observation and whatever I experienced. I am still an amateur. :P )

What has this got to do with compromise in the church? Plenty. We know our enemy, that is, Satan. In the bible, he is described as two representations: as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) and an angel of light ( 2 Corinthians 11:14). We Christians know a lot about the roaring lion part of him. That’s where the prayer warriors, intercessors and those in the front line come in. There is a lot of focus on these things. So, the evil one can’t risk a frontal assault because he will be found out easily. What does he do? Appear as an angel of light. He masquerades pass the front lines and spreads different seeds into the interior such as secularism and materialism; just to name a few. The sad thing is that the Christians are still focused outside on the roaring lion not realizing that the enemy is just among them! But wait. How did he get pass the front defenses? Because the Christians compromised on Christian values and principles that are clearly outlined in the Word of God. They didn’t do a ‘security check’ but just allowed the angel in because he looks like an angel!

The enemy is crafty. He doesn’t openly wreak havoc like in the games but slowly introduces worldly ideas and attitudes among the believers. In the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 24:24-30), the tares that were sown look so identical to the wheat when growing up as well as during maturity. That’s why the workers couldn’t identify it earlier. The master of the field didn’t want them to try and weed them out because they look so alike until that they could accidentally weed out the wheat instead. The evil one introduces worldly things gradually until they seem to be naturally part of the church. It has reach a point where Christians can’t recognize the difference any more. Sadly, the church is becoming more like the world rather than the other way round. We have compromised on so many things. Too many things. As a result, materialism, secularism, selfishness, greed, power hunger, factions, worldly music, blatant disregarding of God’s Word and the like have all taken root in the church today. Ultimately in the end, God will bring all these to light. Won’t we be shocked when we see the weeds that were sown among us?

This is just a brief introduction on the state of affairs at the moment. I will write on this matter more. There is just too many to fit into one post. Ponder on what is said above. Do you see all of these in the church today? Open your spiritual eyes. Refuse to be blinded anymore.

Soli Deo Gloria!!

Verses Quoted

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Matthew 13:24-30
24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'

28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "