Sin of compromise in modern culture intensifies

John 17:14-16: “Be in the world, but not of the world.” We often hear this phrase in sermons, devotionals and even some secular media saying, “Be different.” As Christians, we know this has a deeper meaning than just simply “Be different.” We are called to stand out. Or, as Romans 12:2a would put it, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A question we all must ask ourselves is this: Why do we compromise? Is it because of peer pressure? Is it because we feel the need to fit in, be cool or keep up with the latest trends? Whatever the reason, the next question you ask should be this: Was it worth it? Read that again. Was it worth shifting and going against your values to fit in with a world that’s not your home? Was it worth conforming to a culture that rejects the truth? 

I know this might sound dramatic, but this is the way the Bible asks us to live—To be in the world, but not of it. If you read the full verse, Jesus prays for us not to be taken out of the world, but to be protected against Satan. When we conform to current ideals and culture, we say no to God and to our faith and give Satan the upper hand. 

Over the years, society has pushed a message of “follow your heart.” As Christians, we have started to look at this common bumper sticker slogan and think, “Oh, that’s a cute message! Don’t let anyone stop you!” In reality, however, we should see this as one of Satan’s biggest tactics of deception. 

While this saying may seem cute, the Bible tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” When we follow our heart, we fall into the desires of this world that Paul warned us about in Romans. 

Every day, we make seemingly small decisions: The music we listen to, the clothes we wear, the movies we watch. All of these can lead to compromise. All of these are easy ways to fall into the pattern of society and go with the flow. We look over the content of the actual music because the artist is popular; we claim we can’t find modest clothes anywhere because we want specific brands, and we watch movies that we know would be better left on pause. 

As Christians, we are called to uphold a higher standard. Whether we like it or not, everything we do, say and promote affects our testimony either negatively or positively. We have to decide if we will take a stand or if we will stay silent, if we will speak up or if we will follow the flow because we don’t want to be seen as intolerant.

Having the courage to resist compromise, walk differently and stand out creates habits that will strengthen your convictions and grow your faith in Jesus.