ON THE VANGUARD

THE COST OF COMPROMISE
“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, ‘Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!’ But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.”
Genesis 19:14

Compromise is normally looked at as a good thing. In marriage, when both parties cannot agree on the same thing, compromise can be the tool used to ensure that a mutual agreement is made. Webster defines this concept of compromise as a settlement of differences by arbitration or consent. But there is a second definition for the word compromise as well. Webster defines this as a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial. This is a definition I have found myself fall into more often than desired. It is in those times when our character or stance is no longer valid and our compromise seems to be the root cause.
While I could sit here and give you examples from my own life, I think it is wiser for us to see this through God’s word. What greater a story of compromise and its cost than that of Lot. However, when we look at the story we may not catch it right away. It all started in Genesis 13. At this time Lot went with Abram as they journeyed away from Ur. As both men’s status was growing, so were their possessions. When the ground was no longer able to provide for both of them, they decided to compromise, or make a settlement, and part their ways. Abram went west toward Canaan and Lot east toward Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is following their split that the Bible records, “…Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD” (Gen 13:12b-13). Skipping ahead, we find Lot sitting at the gateway of the city (Gen 19:1). Notice how Lot had moved from near Sodom to at Sodom. Gradually over time, Lot began to compromise or give concession. When the men of the LORD came to take Lot away at Abram’s request, they found him living within the city. And what is more, the evil lifestyle of the people had encompassed around him. Seeing these men, and the offers being given them by the sexual townsfolk, Lot offered his daughters to the city. What kind of person offers his children to be raped and mistreated purposely? The kind who has compromised. But here is the piece that really grabs my attention. When Lot went to warn the men who his daughters were promised to, they laughed him off (Gen 19:14). The clout that Lot may have had in chapter 13 was gone by chapter 19.
As I considered this and looked into it myself, I saw the reason he was laughed at. The man Lot had once been was gone. He failed to take his stand against the enemy and now instead was living among the enemy. Perhaps he was laughed at because the sons-in-law had never seen Lot take a true stand for God. Now here was Lot, warning against judgment and they responded as if it was a joke. Lot’s compromise cost him his sons-in-law.
Seeing this revelation, my eyes were opened. What are my children, and others, seeing from me? Am I being looked at as sold out for God, or a guy who has compromised and nothing I say has value? Am I a hypocrite? Lot lost his place as the man of the family when he compromised; I do not want to fall into the same trap. And maybe Lot was worshipping God, but then I question if it was all in secret. One thing I want my children to see in me is that God is not a secret. I want them to see me reading my Bible, praying, worshipping God, and taking a stand for God. I don’t want it to be a show; I want them to see the real thing. Some of the greatest childhood memories I have are of my mom sitting on the couch every morning with her Bible in her lap, eyes closed, praying. Will my kids be able to say the same of me? I refuse to compromise in negative fashion but rather choose to stand my ground. Who is with me?