No Compromise
by Margaret Silvester
Keith Green’s life’s aim had been to be a successful Rock star. On becoming a Christian he felt God was asking him to surrender his dreams and aspirations by laying down his music. Some time later he felt God released him to pick up his music again and use it for God’s kingdom. He soared to the top of the contemporary Christian music charts before dying an untimely death in a plane crash before his 29th birthday.
The story of Keith’s life is written in his biography “No Compromise.” He felt God asked him, “Are you willing never to play music again, willing to be a nobody; are you willing to go anywhere and do anything for Christ?” Keith was considered controversial for his confrontational lyrics and spoken messages challenging young and old to commit their lives to wholly following Christ. He preached a message of no compromise and almost 30 years after his death, his biography and lyrics still speak.
Our text for today mentions an undivided heart. An undivided heart is a heart that is willing to face the radical choices God puts before us; a heart wholly committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. An undivided heart is a repentant heart that has been humbled by the wonder of being forgiven through the cross.
“No compromise,” is what the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ is about. It is about being dedicated to Him and serving only one master. In a day when many believers seem to be trying to please both the world and the Lord (which is impossible), when people are more concerned about offending their friends than offending God, the choice is conform or be different.
The choices we make are determined by our values, and the values we hold are determined by what we love most. As Keith Green said in one of his songs, ‘If you love the Lord, you will love His will for you. Instead of questions, ‘why’ there’ll be praise for all He brings you through. And if you love the Lord, you will love His holy commands. Delight yourself in them, and everything you do will surely stand’. No compromise!
Prayer: Father, please forgive me for the times I have made wrong choices and compromised Your holy standards. Teach me Your way and give me grace to walk in it. Teach me Your truth and shine Your light upon my path. Give me an undivided heart filled with love for You so that I will live my life day by day in uncompromised obedience to You. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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