August 15
The Problem with Compromise
Now Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh king of
—1 Kings 3:1
Solomon’s fall and disillusionment began with a series of compromises, one of which was marrying the daughter of Pharaoh. This he did because he wanted to establish a political alliance. For all practical purposes, Solomon was “yoking” himself unequally with a nonbeliever. God told the Jewish people not to intermarry with the other nations. This was not a racial issue; it was a spiritual issue. God didn’t want the Israelites aligning themselves with people who were worshipers of false gods. He knew their hearts would turn away. The same is true of us as Christians. You want to run this race with someone who loves the Lord as you do.
If you are a single person, you should pray for and wait on the godly man or woman that the Lord will bring into your life. You can be sure He would not want you romantically involved with a person who does not believe.
The Bible tells us, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians. 6:14–15 nlt).
In the race of life, you want to run with someone who is going in the same direction that you are. And if you are Christians, both you and your mate will be running toward the Lord, and His plan and purpose for your lives.
But Solomon did not live by that principle. He teamed up with someone who did not share his faith or his God. More problems followed, and they always will.
—Greg Laurie, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners
In his newest book, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners, Greg Laurie examines the lives of biblical personalities—good and bad—revealing why some fell and failed while others picked themselves up and finished strong in the spiritual race.
Copyright © 2005 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
