Trading my ashes for beauty….that He might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
Happy Friday, friends! I decided to join the Five Minute Friday community and link-up…which I always enjoy..but, when I do, I am unable to schedule a post ahead of time but, instead, have to wait until I receive the prompt and write on Friday mornings. This never was a problem before (whenever before was) but now that I am (sorta, kinda, somewhat) in the habit, or at least the routine, of planning posts and scheduling them, well now I feel off. Off schedule and I feel rushed. Of course, the idea is to only write for five minutes AND not to overedit, etc., but, honestly, this type of posting is not the most enjoyable. However, I do enjoy the challenge and especially enjoy the community at this link-up. So, let’s move ahead. Today’s prompt is: COMPROMISE.
STOP – I ran past my five minutes; however, there really is time and place for compromise. It is easy to become inflexible, dogmatic, and even combative. Not only in spiritual matters but in many other areas as well. I don’t want to compromise Biblical values. I don’t think I should compromise practices that come from those values. But my preferences….and/or my personal opinions? Compromise can be just as needful, helpful, and even healthy as it was when dealing with my three preschoolers. (Might I be considered “childish” if I am unwilling to ever “make a concession”?? Hmmm.) Just the tip of the iceberg on this topic, but it gave me good cause to stop and consider some of my own thoughts and reactions. I do want to fall for the enemy’s subtle traps of compromise. But neither do I want to be arrogant or self-righteous. Perhaps it will give you something to consider as well.
Yes, I surely am dogmatic
(for I have many dogs),
but to compromise, pragmatic,
doth bring the worst of fogs
when it asks I lay aside
my faith to please another,
or that firm beliefs I hide
from folks out there who’d druther
be approved in all their sins,
and, yes, be celebrated,
and if my soft reply begins
with “But…”, I perforce will be hated,
so, dear world, please heed this caution:
compromise for me’s no option.
I had the some of the same thoughts on compromise, Jennifer. My first thought was compromise is a negative, but after looking at the definition and reflecting on motherhood, I realized compromise is learning how to agree and live in harmony. ~Lisa, FMF #2
Thank you for that great post and thoughts on compromising. So True.
“Realizing how subtle the enemy can be and how “simple” (without much consequence) and appealing he makes compromise…” I think that’s why we so easily fall into his trap. Big compromises are easy to avoid, but it’s those little concessions to truth that trip me up. I do want to be a fan and participant of healthy compromises though, and preferably without the banter of a preschooler. Lol I still have plenty of room for growth. Stopping by from FMF#4. Blessings!
Hi Jennifer~ Compromise is something I had to really think about today. I think compromise can be a good think, especially when it comes to, say, serving someone else when you had other plans. Or, trying something that might make you stretch a little and get you out of your comfort zone (totally me). But like you said, there are things that I will not compromise and values that I will not compromise, like my faith. It’s so true about compromise when our children were small, I felt like my whole life was compromise…but it was a good thing, those days flew by so quickly, and all is good today! I’m off to send you the recipe! Hugs, Barb
Other than FMF, most of my posts are scheduled ahead of time. For me, it means one less thing on my plate before I head out the door for work. I sometimes tell myself that it’s okay to skip FMF “just this once”. BUT GOD…has other ideas and keeps showing me what I am supposed to write about. Yes, sometimes I don’t get it done until Saturday, but it does get done.
FMF #6
It does feel good to get it done:) Lately, I am struggling to keep up with comments, etc…but still determined to get it done! Thanks for stopping by, Barb!
‘It is easy to become inflexible, dogmatic, and even combative. Not only in spiritual matters but in many other areas as well.’
so true, Jennifer. May we be known as people of grace and kindness and be able to let go of things that, in the light of eternity, will not matter one bit.
That is my prayer….to be a woman of grace and kindness! Funny who it is just when I think I am making progress….all the buttons are pushed and I am reminded how far I’ve yet to go!
It is an interesting word/ topic; one that I had never thought of before, really, in terms of whether or not compromise is negative or positive. I think it can definitely be both as your examples highlight. I read your post after I listened to a podcast where one of the topics was assisted suicide. In the early days of assisted suicide, proponents of it said it was to help the terminally ill die with dignity. Those against legal assisted suicide warned of a slippery slope as one reason to not allow it. Now in Canada, it is legal in the taxpayer supported “healthcare” system for doctors to euthanize Canadians who struggle with depression and wish to die. (Rather an extreme treatment one could argue.) I thought of “compromise” (among others) when I heard this. You could argue that allowing assisted suicide for the terminally ill was a compromise between those wishing to stave off the extreme pain of a terminal illness and the interest the state has to preserve life. Once the decision to legally allow assisted suicide was made, the gates were opened and the slippery slope that was warned of occurred. This is an example of me where compromise has had a very negative outcome.
I am truly at a loss for words with regard to legal assisted suicide….and for depression??! Thanks for some really powerful thoughts to consider. And to pray about!!
I like the way you have grappled with this topic. I think dealing with children especially, but others in general, requires the flexibility to compromise on those preferences and opinions which are from ‘self’. I find children have a very strong sense of ‘being fair’ though and often they forbid compromise! 😀