Circle of Compromise

Genesis 19

"And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:" Genesis 19:27

In this Chapter, God covers the full cycle of compromise. We read of God’s order in and for this world, and what His Word teaches and covers regarding His original Creation vs. Homosexuality, Compromised Christianity, and Incest.

In the proceeding Chapter, three men appear unto Abraham. Now we have two men who depart from the Lord, and begin their mission - to execute the divine judgment against Sodom. “And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.” Genesis 18:22

It is the history of Sodom's ruin and Lot's rescue from that ruin.

Unsaved and liberal Christians accommodate same sex lifestyles. I look to the only opinion that counts for anything in this life; what does God think of Homosexuality, Compromised Christianity, and Incest?

Homosexuality
I believe there is no sin which so deeply shows the depravity of man as Sodomy “But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.” Genesis 19:4-11

Compassed the house round? This is proof of their wickedness, and a revealing moment into the compromised heart of Lot. He called these men “Brethren.” “And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.” Genesis 19:7 after researching the word “Brethren” in the Hebrew language, this is what I came up with; a metaphorical affinity or resemblance, kindred.

Sin is universal, and before you compromise – you justify! The only course of wisdom and safety is to trust in God and do right. They were unanimous in their vile design. There were old and young, and all from every quarter, engaged in this riot; the old were not past it, and the young had soon come up to it. Either they had no magistrates to keep the peace and protect the peaceable, or their magistrates were themselves aiding and abetting.

It was the most unnatural and abominable wickedness that they were now set upon, a sin that still bears their name, and is called ‘Sodomy.’ Those that allow themselves in unnatural uncleanness are marked for the vengeance of eternal fire.

Nothing less than the power of an angel could save a good man out of their wicked hands. It was not until they were tired, that these Sodomites, after they were struck blind, ceased in their attempts to break the door down. “…so that they wearied themselves to find the door..” Genesis 19:11

Compromised Christianity
Nothing is more dangerous than to live where sin reigns: for it corrupts us all. Someone once told me; “Deborah, white gloves never stay clean in the mud.” And that’s precisely what happens when we do not separate ourselves from the world, and make clear, decisive choices based on God’s standards, and not pressure from our surroundings.

Lot had utterly lost his testimony. In gaining influence "… Lot sat in the gate of Sodom…” Genesis 19:1 he had lost power, even in his own family. There are legitimate reasons why the world, the church, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself, may expect more from Christians than from the rest of mankind. The Christian is to excel in purity!

Incest
Lot was guilty of committing incest with his two daughters Genesis 19:30-38 Lot needlessly exposed his offspring to a corrupting influence, and could not reasonably hope that they would walk in the ways of virtue.

So often, we excuse wicked behavior when it reveals itself under the influence of alcohol. But strong drink is a “truth potion” and brings out that which already lies in the deep recesses of a person’s heart. In solitude we are often more exposed to temptation and in greater danger of complying with it, than in the crowded arena; and the use of intoxicating drink excites the greatest abominations. Rubbish in – rubbish eventually out!

The Circle of Compromise
· Step 1 of Backsliding - Lot "pitched toward Sodom" Genesis 13:12 for worldly advantage. What grabs my heart and gets my attention more than God?
· Step 2 of Backsliding - He became a great man in Sodom Genesis 19:1 at the cost of his daughter's accepting the morals of Sodom. Do I compromise my standards to be “one of the in-crowd?” Do I lower my values to have a sense that I belong?
· Step 3 of Backsliding – He did not want to let go of Sodom Genesis 19:14 “But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.” Lot had completely lost his testimony. In gaining influence in Sodom, he had lost any respect he may have had with his family members, and his respect toward authority. They did not believe what he said! I truly believe Lot had a hard time letting the hooks go from Sodom. How do I choose to forsake God, and follow my flesh?

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

What do I retain as memories? What do I embrace in my affections and hide in my heart? How often do I confess my self-sufficiency with my mouth, and practice “Christ-sufficiency” in my life?

It's so easy to be under a banner of false-security by thinking we could never Compromise our Christianity. Abraham compromised his Christianity, as did David, and so many other great men of God. What guarantee do I have?

My Guarantee
"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Psalm 37:31 This is the only antidote for compromise; the best thing, in the best place, for the best result!

Sometimes God's ways may seem "round about" to us, but if we truly trust in God, stay in God's time, and use God's means; none of our steps shall slide. In contrast, after having studied and exposed the downfall of the wicked in Sodom, we can give our attention to the sincerely godly men and women, and observe the blessed contrast.

Good men are men of mark, and are worth our study. Upright men are marvels of grace, and worth beholding. The man of peace has an end of peace. Our way may be rough, but it leads home!

I Love You,
Deborah