Foundations Devotional: Week 3, Day 2
Day 2 – The Consequences of Compromise
When you struggle with temptation, it’s wise to pause and ask the Lord for help.
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Stuck again. Is that an apt description of your life? For many believers, it is. Even when they know why they are stalled, some can’t move past the sin that trips them up. Others are blind to the source of their troubles and feel as if all they do is run in place.
Israel, God’s chosen nation, had a history of defeat from yielding to temptation instead of obeying the Lord’s commands. Compromise defeats us, too. God calls His children to live obedient lives, but it’s easy to become preoccupied with the things we want—and then to reinterpret God’s commands in a way that suits us.
What’s more, the world clamors for us to fit into its mold but shows little or no inclination to follow God’s way. And Satan can gain a foothold in our life whenever we disobey or attempt to bypass God’s laws.
We’d be fooling ourselves to think we can compromise and still live a Christ-centered life. The Lord commands us to reject ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12), and we’re wise to listen. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit’s power to help us. A good place to start is by agreeing with God that an attitude or action of yours is displeasing to Him. Then determine to set your mind on obedience, whatever the cost.
Prayer:
Gracious Father,
I come before You today, recognizing the struggle I face with compromise. In a world that pulls me in many directions, I ask for Your help to resist the temptation. Lord, I know that compromise separates me from the Christ-centered life You call me to live.
Father, help me to be honest with myself and align my will with Yours, no matter the cost. Thank You for Your redeeming love that purifies and transforms me. I trust in You and Your guidance.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.