Facing the Giant of Unhealthy CompromiseJune 5, 2011
Samson was a man’s man. He was very strong and handsome. Everything was going great and life was good. Even as a very young man, “The Spirit of the LORD began to direct him.” He was beloved by the people and God used Him to accomplish many mighty works. You might think that Samson had it all together. The people around him thought he did but when we read about the Samson’s life in the Bible, we find that this was not the case.
Unfortunately, Samson allowed the giant of unhealthy compromise to cause a great deal of damage in his life. There are many important lessons we can learn from Samson’s story about our own battle with the giant of unhealthy compromise.
Samson did not seek God’s wisdom, especially in the arena of choosing women. One of the women in Samson’s life was Delilah. Delilah was a prostitute that no man of God should desire. But as many good godly men do, he allowed his personal desire overrun his commitment to God and the leadership of God’s Spirit. The consequences to this choice were devastating for Samson. He was overcome by the giant of unhealthy compromise.
Delilah frustrated Samson with trick after trick in attempts to capture him for the enemy. She pressed him daily concerning his mighty strength. The more she pressed, the more frustrated he became. Delilah continued to press until finally in a moment of weakness Samson told Delilah the truth about his strength. He told her that if his head be shaved, all his strength would leave him. Sure enough, she had his head shaved and his strength departed. In a really sad verse of Scripture we read the following about Samson: “But he did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20, HCSB). We also know from Scripture that Samson was captured by his enemy, his eyes were gouged out, and he was forced into prison labor.
Samson’s unhealthy compromise not only led to devastating results for himself but also for the God he served. You see, when Samson was captured the enemy gave glory to their god – Dagon. Instead of the One True God receiving all glory and all worship, his actions led to a false god being worshiped.
What lessons do we learn from Samson?
First, always seek God’s wisdom about important decisions in your life. In today’s world the truths of God are being questioned like never before. This is especially true in the areas of relationships and marriage. Like Samson, people are avoiding God’s truth to do what “feels right” to them. We are seeing more people simply living together instead of entering into that holy union between man and wife called marriage. Then there is the debate on whether it is a man and woman that should only be allowed to be married or if that should be opened up to homosexual relationships. The source of truth on these topics is not whatever popular opinion says at the time or even what the government declares, but truth for all times is found in God’s Word. This leads us directly to the second lesson we learn from Samson; which is always follow God’s leadership by seeking Him through personal Bible study and prayer. The Bible is living and active and is still relevant for today’s world and gives God’s direction for life in it. Third, stand firm in the strength that God gives you. We are to bring God glory with our lives as we worship Him, serve Him, and minister in His name. Remember, there is nothing that you will face that is too big for the Lord God Almighty.
The greatest news is that even if unhealthy compromise has been a giant that has won in our lives in the past, today is a new day for the Lord to have a great victory. I encourage you to spend time with God through prayer and the study of His Word. Hold on to the promises of God like the one found in Philippians 4:13 which states: “I am able to do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me” (HCSB).
Shawn Thrapp
Pastor of Lake O’ the Pines Baptist Church
Exalting Jesus, Loving People, Reaching the World