Small compromises

Ever notice how easy it is to let the 'little' things slide? Whether it is training the children, talking with friends, watching TV or message boards on the internet it seems we can let things slip that normally we try so hard to avoid.

I was convicted not long ago of doing this. Our pastor was preaching about the 'small compromises' that the Israeli people made when God sent them to take control of the Promised Land when their years of wandering were over. They were to DRIVE OUT and DESTROY all evil influences (the pagan people in the land) and at first they did. They knew God was with them so they fought and won! Then they started just conquering but not killing the people, then trading and living with and finally they were living under the very people they were to have destroyed. Didn't end good. God was not pleased.

Well, it wasn't long after the pastor's speaking on this I was tested and failed. I was on message boards were things were talked about that if that was in person, well, I would have walked off red faced and never able to look in their eyes again. I was witness to conversations that in my family's views crossed over the lines of p@rnography and religious bashing and I was mute because I did not want the 'heat' on me and my 'excuse'... I can't defend my positions in the moment of need at least not clearly. I sat with friends and during friendly chat things quickly turned to gossip yet I was silent because I was afraid to offend. I let training my children relax just a bit because I was tired of hearing how 'hard' I am on the children...now my children are back to fighting and sassing arguing. It will take a lot of work to get back to where we were.

I hate confrontation. I am a 'people pleaser' but as a Christian I can not be that way. I must be a GOD PLEASER.

I don't know what all damage will come from these small compromises.
I do know that I have repented and confessed to God my failings and I am forgiven. I have informed my mentor of a need for training for WHEN this happens again. I will be prepared.

Being a true follower of Christ is not a popularity contest. If I am silent on His Word then who will speak the truth in love?!