It is a good word with a bad reputation – one that it probably does not deserve. It has been cited as the catalyst for many evil causes, but the reality is that it is the sole reason that relationships survive and societies exist. It is one of man’s greatest friends, this thing called compromise.
“Come promise.” Shortened simply as compromise. Its original meaning is “a joint promise to abide by an arbiter’s decision.” 1 What can be so terrible about a joint promise? A wedding vow is a joint promise – where two people “come promising” to abide together until “death do us part.” Oh that more people would honor that compromise called the wedding vow.
Growing up in a conservative Apostolic environment I naturally developed a distaste for the word. Anytime I heard the word “compromise” it was in reference to someone who had abandoned a cardinal doctrine (or a strong opinion), therefore carrying evil connotations. To be called a compromiser was among the lowest of accusations, and I must admit that I have given those “compromising rascals” some pretty harsh thrashings in my own ministry. But get ready for the literary bomb – I am here to confess that Stan Davidson is a compromiser!
I will take it a step further – I am a compromiser and proud to be one. That is why I am still married after 36 years. That is why I have had a great relationship with my brother and sister for my 59 years of living. That is why I am still Bishop of Church on the Rock in Gadsden, Alabama after 32 years. That is why I am District Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Alabama. I have had to compromise to make these relationships successful. And, I must add, the fruit of the relationships has made it worth any concession I have made.
My experiences have taught me a lot about relationships. Some people can only exist as an organization of one (oxymoronic), but it is clear in scripture that the early church operated from consensus. I have come to trust the consensus of godly men more than the words of a single prophet. I believe in the words of the prophet, but it is clear to me that the kingdom of God does not function on the words of one individual. The First Apostolic Council in the Book of Acts consisted of several men, including some who disagreed on certain points. However, the Spirit of God prevailed and they came to a united decision. Compromise – those founders of the faith were compromisers!
It grieves me more as I get older how some expect to reap the rewards of being a part of an organization, but they are not willing to make personal investments in the organization. Any successful organization, from the local church to an international body, will function only because of compromise. While there are points of doctrine that should never be negotiated, unity demands that some concessions be made. I will make whatever compromises I can for the sake of unity, as long as the salvific issues remain concrete. I strongly agree with the words traditionally associated with Martin Luther, “peace if possible, but truth at any rate” – meaning that I will not relinquish my grip on fundamental doctrines to gain fellowship with anyone. However, if there is to be an organization, I am going to have to be willing to let some of my personal pet peeves be challenged. (I am not sure what a pet peeve is – I am not certain a peeve can be domesticated enough to become a pet! It’s sort of like owning a cat – the cat thinks he owns you.)
I have been told, “I refuse to compromise!” We know. That is why you are sitting by yourself, worshipping by yourself, feeling isolated, and existing alone. That is why you have marriage trouble, family trouble, trouble at work, and in most every other relationship in your life. Maybe it is time to “come promise.” Come promise to work together. Come promise to give and take. Come promise to open your mind to discussion. Come promise to support the group. Come promise – compromise!
I met a couple of ministers once who, in the course of our conversation, mentioned the name of their organization. I told them that I had never heard of the organization and would like to know more about it. One of the ministers was the president and the other was the secretary. I asked, “How many ministers do you have in your fellowship?” They shared a strange look and one said, “Right now there’s only the two of us.” I guess they were off to a good start. The vote for president could have been a tie and stymied the whole process.
My sense of doctrinal purity is pushing me to qualify this article with provisos and disclaimers, but I think I’ll just let it stand. Compromise is not such a bad word – it is a vital part of human existence and one of the greatest virtues of the church. Without it we are simply “organizations of one.” With it we can be a united “one.” Try it. You may find that the relationships you gain are worth sacrificing a few of your pet peeves on the altar of unity!
1 http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=compromise
This Article first appeared in the print edition of the Focus Magazine in July/August of 2016
