No Compromise In a Corrupt World

No Compromise In a Corrupt World Devotional Reading and Podcast

Last week, I had the opportunity to have a real-life talk with my neighbor’s only child who is 17. According to her mom [who is a single parent], Becky’s psychological tests indicate she has a maturity level of 13. Previously, her mom relayed to me that for the first time, she is having serious behavioral issues with her daughter. I shared with her that I formerly worked with female teenagers in a behavioral health facility and if it was okay, I would talk with Becky. At the end of our conversation, I gave mom a crocheted heart and a book to give to Becky.

A few days later, I was preparing to take a short walk and saw Becky in the parking lot. “Did your mom give you the heart and the book?” to which she replied, oh yes, it is very beautiful. I casually mentioned that I often see her and her mom pass by on Sundays looking very beautiful. She smiled and said, thank you. I said a silent prayer and asked the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to say to this young girl who displays much confidence that she is ready for the world.

I asked Becky if she believed in God. And she readily expressed, Yes, I believe in God and also love Him. We chatted about God for a few minutes, I asked if she was familiar with the Ten Commandments in the Bible. She replied no. Then I asked, Do you obey your mother? “No, sometimes, well, not really.” I provided a short explanation of how much her mom loves her and would be willing to die for her. Then I shared a short story about a teenage experience that went badly because of disobedience to my mother. I explained the reason God gave us the commandments and focused on the 5th commandment of honoring our father and mother.

My explanation was simple and nonjudgmental. “If you obey God’s commandments, especially the one that tells us to honor [and obey] our parents, that she would be blessed by God. Yet the same God who loves us also punishes us for wrongdoing.” Ending the conversation with a question, Can you make a promise to God today to always obey your mom? Becky replied, “Yes, I will.” We parted with smiles and laughter. [Name changed to protect her identity.]

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand, I will keep you…(Isaiah 42:6)

We live in a world built on the compromise of God’s laws. The guilty are offered plea bargains, we debate over when life begins in pregnancy, gender assignment, and the Truth. Our societies have accepted three postures, “I am for it, against it, or declare a neutral position” in the escalating social issues of hunger and homelessness, extortion, discrimination, violence, and the disparity in healthcare.

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15

Where do we stand in a world corrupt with declining morals and values? Many profess love for God but are misdirected by their emotions and the opinions of the influencers. Only God knows if we truly love Him and He discerns the motives of our hearts. The struggle is real! We fight every day against the spiritual warfare of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges, depression, and anxieties.

We attempt to obey God, but our minds are bombarded with worldviews to stay in unhealthy relationships–it’s better to stay with the one you’re with than to be single and lonely, move ahead, start the business, buy the house or luxury vehicle, and do whatever it takes to acquire wealth and success.

Take a Spiritual Stand, I will not compromise in a world filled with corruption!

Much conflict exists in the minds of those who attempt to create a middle ground or take a posture of a neutral position when serving God. Through surrender, we must incorporate God into every aspect of our lives. Not one of us can deny that we desperately need the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to live righteously.

“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Many people are in turmoil and need a listening, nonjudgmental ear. We are the beacons of light in a dark world. God has given us the responsibility to show His love and kindness through witnessing to the weary. Who will tell them Jesus loves them if we don’t?

When I volunteered to speak with my neighbor’s daughter, I had no idea what I would say to her. It has been 30-plus years since I worked with wayward teenage girls in a behavioral health facility using therapeutic communication techniques and a reward system for appropriate behaviors.

From this experience, I realize two things, I must stay close to God through much prayer, fasting, and diligent study of the Bible to be an effective witness. I must not allow myself to be influenced and corrupted by the declining morals and values of this world. Today, I asked myself, “Sonya, can you make a promise to always obey God?”

“For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:17)

Prayer: God, right now, we need the anointing of Your Spirit. We are fighting an internal battle between right and wrong. We pray for guidance, strength, and discernment to say no to temptation and to live righteously. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.