This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
What are the greatest perils that we face? Is it terrorism, violence, financial loss, illness; natural disasters, or could it be something much subtler? Often our greatest peril as followers of Jesus Christ slips in hardly noticed at first, eases into our hearts and minds as we go about our day. We listen to all the voices of so many around us, urging us to compromise. They urge us to believe that the truth is “there is no truth” and all are right in their own thoughts; yet, are they not themselves urging us to believe in this alien truth. We see the world turning around us, urging us to believe that unless we lower our moral convictions we must be bigots or haters. Yet, the very ones proclaiming this hate rhetoric despise us for any convictions we might have. They say all should have the freedom to voice their thoughts and live their lives by what they believe; unless, perchance you stand on moral principles as taught in the scripture–then your voice should be silenced.
Paul warns young Timothy to beware of this very thing; particularly of those who masquerade amongst our clergy and have infiltrated our churches. They preach a gospel built upon lies; but, sounds good. Jesus had made that very same warning in Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Perhaps even more perilous than the societal rhetoric and the false doctrines that infiltrate our pulpits, are the compromises that we allow in our own hearts out of desires or longings that pull us astray.
For me the desire for acceptance, the need to feel loved has often lead me to compromise moral truth. It would begin with the question, “well, I know the Bible teaches says,
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication I Thessalonians 4:3
Then, I would begin the subtle transformation of trying to redefine fornication by interjecting the idea of love and fidelity on my part as proof against it being sin. After all, perhaps this is the best God would give me. Yet, each time I allowed such a compromise; I ended up heart broken. Thank God, He never gave up on me nor did He turn His back. He was always right there waiting with open arms. Did it compromise my testimony? Certainly, it must have!! Would I know what my ministry might have looked like if I had never compromised? No, I don’t. This I do know, God’s Grace and love has never let go of this stumbling child. I mourn and grieve for those whom my failures may have prevented them from seeing Christ Jesus as superior to all else. I pray that their eyes may be opened to the truth and be saved, despite my stumbling.
So, just as Paul urged Timothy; we must be aware of such compromises in our own hearts. How do we guard against compromising sin? Let me give you 6 steps to help you.
1. Study the Scripture.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17
2. Memorize Scripture–write out memory cards of scriptures that particularly you can use with what you recognize as your greatest vulnerabilities.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee Psalm 119:11
3. Prayer. We must be constant in prayer, asking for God’s guidance through the work of the Holy Spirit indwelling us.
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Psalm 25:4-6
4. Be careful what you watch on TV, the books you read, and the crowds you listen to.
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Proverbs 23:6-8
5. Run to God to Repent as Soon as you realize you sinned.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
6. Remember that God will provide a way of escape from temptation
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
[bctt tweet=”We must not allow desires and worldly rhetoric to cause us to compromise truth.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Just because I accept a lie, doesn’t make it true.[/tweetthis]
Photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@mkwlsn
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
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. 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.