Where Compromise Takes You
1 Kings 11:1-13
Compromise is viewed by many as important for life. At times, it may be necessary to find “common ground” with others or reach a “win-win agreement.” Yet, too often compromise becomes an excuse for not doing the right thing. Some people do not believe the rules apply to them, in part because of their position, age, or even previous successes.
Solomon’s sliding into idolatry in his old age is an example of where compromise can take us. God holds his people accountable for their sins, so we must consistently guard against spiritual compromise. Let us look at three questions related to Solomon’s life and ask them of ourselves.
Often in Solomon’s time, kings took women from other nations as their wives for political purposes. This “foreign policy” established peace and profitable trade relations. Yet from the beginning, God intended for marriage to only take place between one man and one woman for life (Genesis 1:27, 2:24).
What part of “no” was not clear to Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-3)? Solomon’s compromise at this point led to even further compromise. Despite the Lord’s warnings about spiritual compromise, Solomon married many non-Israelite women who worshiped false gods. We must take seriously the Lord’s warning and not follow Solomon’s example, so that we can avoid actions that lead to spiritual compromise.
As Solomon grew old, he continued to compromise.
What heart problem did Solomon develop with his earlier poor decisions (1 Kings 11:4-8)? As Solomon compromised his faith in the Lord, his heart grew cold. He began to worship and promote the false gods his wives worshiped. Instead of being wholly devoted to the Lord, Solomon did what was evil in the sight of God.
What about our hearts? Have they grown cold to the Lord? When we recognize symptoms of spiritual compromise in our lives, we can confess our disloyalty and return to a wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Solomon’s compromises brought about consequences. These consequences were far reaching.
It causes one to ask, what might it have been like if Solomon had remained faithful to God (1 Kings 11:9-13)? The Lord’s covenant was not just about the king and his ongoing dynasty but also about the nation’s role as God’s people. The Lord declared that in the future He would tear apart Solomon’s kingdom because of the king’s disobedience.
We would be wise to foresee that spiritual compromise puts us in danger of facing God’s judgment, including missing out on plans the Lord has to use and to bless us. Where does compromise take us? It takes us to places that none of us really want to go!
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.