In Nazi Germany (1933-1945), the Nazi’s sought to unify the protestant churches into a single pro-Nazi Protestant Reich Church. They put political and social pressure on the pastors to join this alliance. Many joined! In essence, these churches compromised biblical values and standards rather than be stigmatized, persecuted, and lose influence in society.

But some churches (a small remnant) would not cave in. They formed a movement called “The Confessing Church.” This group rose up in opposition to the Nazi regime and wouldn’t back down. Some of the pastors and leaders of this movement were sent to concentration camps and many died.

Today, we’re seeing a similar trend. Churches are compromising loyalty to biblical fidelity. Believers are caving in to political and social pressure. Jesus said, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

A.W. Tozer said, “One compromise here, another there, and soon enough the so-called Christian and the man in the world look the same.” How true this is.

Therefore, it’s important we know the signs to be aware of – signs that we may be compromising truth or following a compromising church. Here are four signs…

1. Compromising believers change the Word of God to fit with the changing world!

Rather than reflect Christ in everything they do and hold firm to biblical standards, they simply adhere Christ to the liberal world. The compromising believer has become immune to sin and accepts it under the guise of tolerance and love. They accommodate the Bible to fit in with the world.

How believers should act: Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). We need to imitate both of these qualities to truly reflect Christ. We are to extend grace to everyone but always in truth. 

Verse of truth: “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17

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2. Compromising believers modify the Word of God because of opposition!At one point in Jesus ministry, we learn that some religious leaders believed in Jesus, but they wouldn’t admit it because they were afraid of being kicked out of the synagogue (John 12:42). This is happening in the church today and most likely will continue. In our country, churches, ministries, and Christian-owned companies have been told they will lose Government assistance or lose tax status if they don’t alter their curriculum, policies, and standards. Many have caved to the pressure. Compromising believers are modifying the Word of God because they’re afraid of rejection, hatred, and being shunned in social circles. 

How believers should act: Pray for boldness and courage to stand firm on God’s Word. Tradition tells us that James, the half-brother of Jesus, writer of the book of James, and overseer of the Jerusalem church, was asked if Jesus was the only Way. When he said Yes, the religious leaders pushed him off the pinnacle of the temple. When the fall didn’t kill him, they crushed in his skull. We cannot let opposition stop us from standing on the truth and reliability of the whole Bible. God is glorified by those who do.

Verse of truth: “Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you” (John 15:20). 

3. Compromising believers reshape their methods to become relevant!

Compromising believers put being relevant above truth. In other words, they reshape their methods to what the world is doing. Their methods tell people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear. My mom’s former pastor used to say, “The method may change, but the message never changes.” To validate this point, it’s okay to change the method but never at the expense of truth.

How believers should act: Align your methods around truth. Keep truth in the center of everything you do. The writer of Proverbs say, “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them” (Proverbs 4:20-21).  

Verse of truth: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

4. Compromising believers seek the praise of men!

Jesus said of the Pharisees: “Everything they do is for show… They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplace and to be called ‘Rabbi'” (Matthew 23:5, 7). In today’s mega-church culture, it’s easy to get puffed up with pride and seek the praise of men rather than the praise of God. The compromising believer focuses on numbers and is driven by power, money, and prestige. There are many pastors and leaders who fit into this category. 

How believers should act: The apostles seemed to always be in trouble with the religious leaders. At one point, they had them arrested and then commanded them to never speak of Jesus again. After they were miraculously released from prison, they went back to the temple to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. When the religious leaders reminded them of what they were told, the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29). This is a perfect example of how believers should act – always for the praise of God, not men. 

Verse of truth: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23). 

Hope these words help you to discern who the compromise-ers are. Let’s be careful not to drift from the standard of Scripture.

Blessings,

Next time: 3 Signs You Might Be Rejecting Biblical Authority!