They had faced the threat of attacks from without and the revolt from within. The wall was completed. All that was left to finish the task was to construct and place the many gates. Sometimes, when we are seeing the end in sight; we become vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Our overflowing joy, opens us up as an easy target. Feeling exuberant as nothing can stop us now; we begin our victory dance and let down our guard. Typically, that is when Satan begins a subtle approach. Nehemiah faced the same. As he must have sighed in relief and his heart leap with joy to God, when the walls stood complete. Now to finish the gates. Still a formidable task; yet, with great joy and hope the workers moved forward. That was when Nehemiah received an invitation from Sanballat to come out to a beautiful valley retreat and meet with him.
It would seem the reasonable and kind thing to do. Go out and meet with your former opposition; after all, they had failed to stop you. God is on your side and the proper Christian thing to do would be to extend a hand of friendship by accepting the invitation. “Come, let us meet; that, we might work out a compromise.” To this, Nehemiah said, “No! I have way too much work here to yet accomplish.” Truth was their invitation wasn’t really to have a nice little meeting, nor were they concerned with Nehemiah’s wellbeing. They were not really offering him a get away retreat. Instead they were plotting to kill him. If they could get him out of the way, the people would never finish the gates.
AN INVITATION TO COMPROMISE TRUTH
Within the modern age, we often are faced with many who ask us to compromise on the truth of the gospel. We are urged to be open minded to embracing other religions as possibly being true as well. They say, “after all, if you continue to proclaim that Christ is the only way; aren’t you being too narrow minded.” An open invitation to meet at the table of compromise at the negotiating table with the agnostics, atheists, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and the new age (only to name a few). In the name of harmony, our invitation is to compromise on the truth of the gospel message. We are to love all these, and we are not to shut the door; neither, are we to lay aside the truth of the gospel message as being merely relative and unimportant.
We must with great patience and love, defend the truth of the gospel through both our words and our deeds. To truly love our neighbor as our self, demands just that. I cannot truly love someone, while I hold the secret to life, joy, and hope hidden deep within my own heart. Certainly, it is not an act of love to say; “all will be ok, I am certain God will accept all into heaven; regardless of your beliefs.” To do so, would be the greatest act of hatred you or I could perpetrate on our neighbor.
AN INVITATION TO TRULY LOVE
Certainly, we are to reach out with gentle, patient hands of love to our neighbors; regardless of their faith. We are not to stand and angrily argue, nor call them idiots. But we must be prepared to live a life that exemplifies Christ in all that we do or say. We must study God’s words and be ready to defend it to a world in need of Him. We must also, through prayer be diligent not to compromise the truth of the gospel. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and assist you when faced with an invitation on how to respond.
2 Peter 3: 15-18
And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Called to stand for the gospel, we refuse the invitation to compromise truth; however, we do so gently, lovingly prepared to provide a defense for Jesus Christ to the world around us. To do so, study your Bible day and night, pray and let the Holy Spirit Guide you.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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Two Newest Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY 
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.