Compromising for Sin

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” – Galatians 2:11 NASB

Peter was a special disciple. Also known as Cephas, he had a unique relationship with Jesus. He was trained for leadership and became a powerful minister of the Gospel. Yet Paul recognized that even Peter had made a mistake. In fact, he “stood condemned.”

What had Peter done that was so wrong? He was guilty of “hypocrisy.” While in Antioch, Peter had eaten with Gentiles, consistent with the guidelines God had revealed to him (Acts 10). But, bowing to pressures, he wavered and acted differently when “some men from James” arrived. Suddenly, “he began to withdraw and separate himself” (v. 12).

Paul knew that Peter was wrong. Others might have stood by silently, unwilling to do anything. But Paul felt compelled to act. Peter had been guilty of compromise. As a leader of the church, he could not set such a negative example. He had to be corrected.

Any of us can be tempted to compromise and go along with the crowd or say or do what might seem to be politically correct. At that moment, we can be less concerned about obeying God and more concerned about the reactions of others. If a man like Peter could be guilty of compromise, so can you.

Ask God to help you stay focused on doing what is right in every situation. Always be concerned with pleasing God and obeying His Word. Resist the pressure to compromise.

Reflection Question: When have you been tempted to compromise your beliefs?