Webster defines compromise: "an amicable agreement to settle differences; mutual concession." In other words, where differences exist, there must be a "moving toward the center" by the parties involved to settle the issues. We are all aware that differences have existed and will exist among brethren. However, to settle our differences by compromise is not the Bible way; even though we should be kind and friendly (amicable) in this process.

To illustrate this, let us go to the Old Testament for some examples. In Exodus 8-10, while Moses and Aaron were trying to persuade the Pharaoh of Egypt to release God's people that they might return to their own land, Pharaoh proposed four compromises to God's leaders.

Compromise #1: "Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land." No doubt this would sound good to some and they would reason, "One land is just as good as another and it makes no difference where we sacrifice unto God." But Moses would have nothing to do with it; he could not buy it. He said, "We will go three days journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Jehovah our God, as he shall command us." (Exodus 8:27)

Compromise #2: "Go ... only ye shall not go very far away." Another compromise. Which some would readily accept. (If you're going into the church, stay close to the world, and don't get "caught up" in the development of the church.) But Moses is steadfast and still insists that God's will be carried out; so additional plagues were brought upon Pharaoh to soften his hardened heart.

Compromise #3: Failing in his two previous proposals of compromise, the Pharaoh pitches a third. "Go now, ye that are men, and serve Jehovah; for that is what ye desire." (Exodus 10:11) But Moses would buy none of it; observe his answer: "We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto Jehovah." (10:9) However, many today would accept the compromise and reject the word of God.

Compromise #4: "And Pharaoh called unto Moses and said, go ye, serve Jehovah; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed." (10:24) Again, Moses rises to the occasion in strong fashion. Listen to him: "Our cattle also shall go with us: there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve Jehovah our God ..." (10:26)

Now the courage and conviction of Moses in withstanding these compromise proposals should serve as an example to every preacher, elder, deacon and member of the church today, and it should be motivation to all to do the same thing in resisting compromises of the devil now. However, sad to say, this is not the case.

If our readers should like to know the effects of compromise, we might consult a passage from 2 Chron. 19:2, especially the question posed by Jehu when he said, "Shouldest thou help the wicked and love them that hate Jehovah?" This, my kind reader, is the result of compromise.

Do you remember when the messenger of Ahab (king of Israel) was sent to Micaiah requesting that he "line up" with the 400 prophets of the king? (1 Kings 22:13) Do you remember his reply to the request? "And Micaiah said, as Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak." (1 Kings 22:14) Now, brethren, there is a great lesson for all of us. There's no room for compromise in that statement and if every preacher among us would adopt that statement and make it our teaching, there would be no compromise, and the church would be much stronger. Brethren, this is what is needed. We cannot live with compromise. We will die with that. Think!