From My Perspective - - -
In governance or interpersonal relationships, is compromise the only course to achieve an acceptable goal? If an individual does not agree with the consensus of compromise, does that mean one is being unduly stubborn and/or dictatorial? Is there a proper place for the exercise of scruples in human discourse and decision-making, as well as being principled regardless of personal cost? What is compromise? It is usually defined as “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting principles by reciprocal modification of demands.” By way of contrast, what is meant by scruples? It is usually understood and applied as “a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.” To be a person who is principled is strictly defined as one who is “imbued with or having moral values and standards.”
The Christian Post has a lead post today that reports: “In a Wednesday press conference, President Barack Obama again rejected Speaker of the House John Boehner's plan B proposal to increase taxes on millionaires while preserving tax cuts for everyone else. He also accused Republicans of being unwilling to compromise because they will not support his plan…Boehner's plan demonstrates that Republicans are unwilling to compromise, Obama continued. To show their willingness to compromise, Obama said that Republicans should pass his plan, which he described as at least halfway to the Republican position. Part of what voters are looking for is some compromise up here, Obama continued. That's what folks want. They understand that they're not going to get 100% of what they want. And for some reason, that message has not yet taken up on Capitol Hill."
Question: Is the preceding paragraph true? Is the statement “Part of what voters are looking for is some compromise up here” a valid assessment and a valid desire of how voters wish to be governed? When was an assessment made of the scruples, principles and moral values conducted in a particular and serious way? On the World Forum Dialogue Of Civilizations Webpage, the following was submitted on September 14, 2012 by Francisco Tatad where he championed a principle and moral value for life: “Surrender is not an option, Compromise is not the Solution. That is our theme. It is the only correct position to take. That is to say, if we truly believe the sanctity of human life, marriage and the family is worth fighting for. Or even dying for…” Do you subscribe to that principled declaration? Do you believe we are at a crossroad where “Surrender is not an option, Compromise is not the solution” should be embraced? Is there anything you believe is worth dying for?
A Psalm of David expresses the consciousness one must have for life lived in a hostile culture. Psalm 101:2-8 establishes as the no surrender, no retreat, no compromise standard for life in these words: “I will be careful to lead a blameless life - when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.” Does this Psalm describe your moral values and standard for life? Are these principles that you will not compromise regardless of any pressure to go contrary to them? The words of this Psalm establish the beginning place for one who will be committed to a life where scruples, moral values and Biblical principles will not be surrendered or compromised. Many would embrace the declaration: “The Bible is the only infallible rule for faith and practice.” If that is truly meant, then a decision for life has been made, namely, no compromise and no surrender – ever. Does Psalm 101 give definition of and purposeful meaning for your life? Consider these things with me!
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