I have often repeated the tragic fact that many Christians who move to other countries never unpack their faith. When realising that they are no longer held accountable for neglecting the rhythms and responsibilities of congregational life, they abandon God and His church.
Imagine you and your congregation have been forcibly moved to a country of strange customs, language, and religion. Then, when looking around at this totally foreign environment, you realise that the only things you have to call your own are your brethren and your God.
This was true for Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men of God had determined to make no room in their hearts for compromise. To them, whether in Israel or Babylon, “Yahweh is God, and there is no other!”
We can add to this number the unique case of Joseph, who was alone in his faith in Egypt. But he never felt alone because he knew that God was ever with him.
And this, of course, is the cure for all compromise: The acknowledgement of God’s abiding presence.
Before Joshua led Israel into a land full of idolatry, God promised him, “I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). For as long as Joshua and Israel obeyed God, He guaranteed that the people and their “gods” would be cleared away before them. We know that Joshua blazed a trail of victory as long as he lived, however, after his death, Israel went down the road of compromise.
As believers, we are “aliens and strangers” in this world (1 Peter 2:11), and “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Thus, our customs, language, and religion are those of our Homeland. To compromise is to pollute our faith and worship with ideas and ways that are contrary to Christ’s pattern of faith.
And there is no room for that!
John Staiger
0 Comments