An Uncompromising Spirit

Daniel chapters 1-3(please read through) reveals the beautiful picture of a separation of yourself TO GOD! Daniel and his friends show us an UNWAVERING, UNCOMPROMISING SPIRIT toward God that we can capture here. The story displays their courageous commitment toward God and presents a CHALLENGE to all believers to NOT COMPROMISE their testimony of JESUS CHRIST!! The word “uncompromising” is defined as, ” UNWILLINGNESS to make concessions to others, It means a harshness and RELENTLESSNESS to be unwilling to do so, it means UNBENDING, UNYIELDING, DETERMINED, PIGHEADED, to be SINGLEMINDED!! In the book of Revelations 3:15-16, God says, “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless”(MSG). Now, let’s remember God is speaking to his people (the CHURCH)…this is not for the unbelievers!! “The “hot” here is the glowing, fervent zeal and devotion.The “cold” describes the state of those who are as yet untouched by the Gospel of Love. An intermediate state between these is the “lukewarm”; such are neither earnest for God nor utterly indifferent to religion. They are, perhaps, best described as those who take an interest in religion, but whose worship of their idol of good taste, or good form, leads them to regard enthusiasm as ill-bred, and disturbing; and who have never put themselves to any inconvenience, braved any reproach, or abandoned any comfort for Christ’s sake, but hoped to keep well with the world, while they flattered themselves that they stood well with God.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English readers). Ok, don’t get all anxious about this passage….hear me out…So, let’s ask ourselves…..am I HOT, COLD, OR LUKEWARM for God and His purpose and people? When confronted with situations or people ….do I UNCOMPROMISINGLY, RELENTLESSLY, display a FERVENT ZEAL for God and His standards and expectations of me…OR am I indifferent on these occasions and daily encounters?? Do I have the resolve to stand(not stand by) UNYIELDINGLY, UNBENDING, AND RELENTLESSLY for the standards of God or do I laugh at the course jokes, join in on the gossip, criticize others shortcomings, or just flat out not give God my time and devotion?? Good questions to ask ourselves! Let’s be HOT pursuers(with fervent zeal) of God and His ways and actually represent our loving savior JESUS CHRIST to a very “COLD”(untouched by the gospel of LOVE) world!!! Remember church ….we are “…ambassador’s(spiritually mature) for Christ”!!! (2 Corinthians 5:20)