Session 41

One time compromise is not OK

From Genesis: A 7-Week Devotional

Compromise is often encouraged. But, not when it comes to sin.

Every sin starts with one seemingly small, harmless compromise. A decision to step barely over the line, telling ourselves we can handle it.

An affair starts with a look. Next, come wandering thoughts. Then secrecy. Every time we excuse one compromise, the next one becomes easier to make. Satan thrives off manipulating us little by little. He is the artist behind the paintings that line the hallways of regret, each one titled: “How did I even get here?”

The very first sin that separated us all from God, started with a tiny compromise. Eve didn’t immediately bite the apple when Satan brought it to her attention. She listened to him, she looked at the fruit, she touched it, then she ate it (Genesis 3:4-6).

We’ll always face temptation, but with Jesus’ power, we can resist giving in.

We weren’t made to be able to handle sin on our own. All sin leads to death (Romans 6:23), and since Jesus is the only one who has defeated death, He is the only one who can save us from our sin and the enemy who hungers for our pain (1 Peter 5:8).

We’ll always face temptation, but with Jesus’ power, we can resist Satan’s manipulation and refuse small compromises that lead to sin by running from:

• Anyone who tries to convince us sin is better than obedience
• Anything that tells us God is not who He says He is
• Anything that tells us we will gain more by disobeying God than by obeying Him
• Promises that sin can lead to anything but death

The great news is God has no weakness, and He’s strongest in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we ask Him, He will give us the strength to resist the temptation to compromise and sin.

Reflect:

• Was there a time when you felt trapped by sin, asking, “How did I get here?”
• Is there an area in life where you are currently compromising? What is one step you can take to stop compromising and turn back to Jesus?