A little compromise

Have you ever wondered why God is so particular? When God gives a command do you fully obey, or do you find ways to do things a little bit different?
This was the situation with story of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was a successor of King Solomon. Jeroboam had been promised a long lasting dynasty much like David if he followed God`s ways. This was particularly significant since King Solomon had forsaken the ways of God, through compromise. God was looking for one would serve him whole heartedly.
Jeroboam`s biggest compromise was in matters relating to the worship of Yahweh. God had taken time to institute an intricate system of rules and regulations of how to approach him, via his priesthood and in the temple dedicated to his own name. Jeroboam in an attempt to maintain loyalty of his Israelite subjects decided that he would duplicate the entire cultic worship system of Yahweh. Thus he built places of worship all over Israel, set up his own priests, made images of God in the form of calves, and other gross violations of God`s commands.
While this act of a duplicate worship system was a logical political manoeuvre it was a complete forsaking of God`s laws. It made much sense especially since Israelite had now been divided into two separate kingdoms (Judah and Israel) to have a separate worship system for each nation. It seemed reasonable to modify God`s prescribed laws, since this was a different situation. Surely God would overlook these minor changes, in understanding of the larger picture, kingdom sovereignty.
Have you ever found yourself thinking like this? You know what God has said, but you justify it based on a reason that might make sense. Can a little compromise really hurt? After all, God knows that I love him, and I am trying my best? Well look at Jeroboam`s story as an example on compromise. Because of this act of Jeroboam, he plunged a whole nation into idolatry for centuries. Much sin, including violence and murder resulted from his compromise. Further, Jeroboam`s offence is attributed as a major cause of the Israelite`s exile, where millions were displaced from their lands and carried off to Assyria in shame and bondage.
So what is the result of my decision to compromise? How many people will be affected? Does it really matter? These are important questions. Jeroboam`s example teaches us never to flirt with disobeying God`s commands, for we never know the end of our compromise. My challenge to you as you strive to be like Christ is to weigh every choice, judge every thought, and act as if Christ was physically present. Decide you will not toy with compromise, and let God build a kingdom through you that will have eternal significance.