From My Perspective - - - 

Is there ever a time when Compromise is the correct and only course one can/should take? Does Compromise violate another’s conviction, principles of life, core values and moral compass? What is the standard by which Compromise can take place without there being a violation of ones conscience? Should Compromise merely be accepted as “the way things are” and “we need to learn to live and let live” – or – is it a case that the stronger and more dominant are allowed to exercise their will upon those who are weaker and with little or no influence at all? Has Political Correctness been allowed to run amuck in this nation? Has any one raised a voice of protest or – like a Caspar Milquetoast (a milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or bland person; the word is derived from the character Caspar Milquetoast from the 1924 comic strip The Timid Soul) – just shrugged and willingly accepts that as the new status quo? 

It strikes one as being strange that the traditional Christmas Season has succumbed to Political Correctness, and to the Atheists who purport that their rights are violated when a Church places a Nativity Scene on Church-owned property. Should the “will” of these and other groups be allowed to determine what Music is permissible at this time of the year or what type of Display can be viewed by the public? In addition, this issue of Compromise has entered the rules of the House of Representatives as our elected officials are told how they can communicate with their Constituents. The Washington Examiner headlined a report (12-16-11): “Congressman Can’t Say Merry Christmas In Mail.” The column begins: “Looks like the PC Police have threatened members of the House of Representatives against wishing constituents a “Merry Christmas”, if they want to do so in a mailing paid for with tax dollars. Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be “franked”, or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including ‘Merry Christmas’, can be sent in official mail.” They were also told they cannot say ‘Happy New Year’ but can say “have a happy new year’ – referencing the time period of a new year, but not the holiday…” The columnist then opines: “So it's true, the elected representatives of the nation that puts ‘In God We Trust’ on its currency are not permitted to use the greeting that has likely been uttered by every living adult American at least once in their lifetimes. Just another demonstration that political correctness and freedom of speech, faith and thought are utterly incompatible.” 

Compromise is defined as being: “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions…adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles…” A Biblical narrative of a Compromise that never should’ve occurred is: “II Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat, the good king of Judah, and Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, joined together to make war against Syria. Jehoshaphat was intent on asking God’s will before going to war, so Ahab summoned 400 of his prophets. They all foretold victory. Jehoshaphat then asked if a prophet of the Lord could be found (it seems he could tell the difference!). Ahab said there was one, the prophet Micaiah (V.7), “but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil”  (Devotional By Life Lines). Once Compromise is permitted, it can only lead to worse choices and events. Ahab convinced Jehoshaphat to wear his clothing and to drive his war chariot. “Jehoshaphat allowed himself to forget a major core value: “Once you have sought out God’s will, don’t ignore it.” The astounding part of this story is that after God’s prophet foretold defeat, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to war anyway!” We might expect this from Ahab, but Jehoshaphat should have known better! What was the end result? Jehoshaphat came within seconds of being killed because of his having been duped into wearing Ahab’s garments and driving Ahab’s War Chariot. How closely have you come to a costly error and ruin because of a foolish and unprincipled compromise? Ecclesiastes 7:5 states, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.” The NLT renders this verse, “It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool!” Be a principled person who is governed by a moral compass that guides you away from unwise and unfounded compromise. Let Isaiah 30:21 be part of your core value and life practice: “And your ears shall hear a word...saying, "This is the way, walk in it…" Consider these things with me!