We live in an age of great danger, where the subtle peril of separation from God grows slowly, much like a frog in gradually boiling water, until it becomes nearly impossible to turn back. This danger stems from compromising with God's law, a pervasive issue in a nation that has lost its former character. Even a small compromise is deadly, leading to greater deviations until no relationship with God remains possible. God provides a poignant example in the life of King Solomon, a man blessed with unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and abilities, whom God greatly loved and spoke to on multiple occasions. Despite knowing God's commands for the kings of Israel, Solomon considered his infractions minor due to his vast wealth and might. God desires His kings to rely on Him in war, to remain devoted without the influence of foreign gods through wives, and to avoid pride in wealth and power. Though these matters seemed insignificant to Solomon, they are crucial to God, and his misjudgment initiated a separation from Him. Initially, Solomon walked closely with God, obedient in all things when he was tender of heart and in need of guidance to rule Israel. As he grew secure in knowledge, wealth, and power, he began to forget the God who had given him everything. His small compromises weakened his character, leading over time to major sins with devastating results. His minor deviations gradually distorted his understanding of God's laws, causing him to drift further from God until, in his old age, his wives turned his heart away from Him. In a world that sees no sin in compromise, it is vital to resist this urge, especially in areas perceived as insignificant. It is in these subtle breaches that satan makes the most effective inroads. Once compromise begins, the process of sin starts, soiling and eroding godly character, which God values highly, and opening the way for sin on a grand scale. Solomon's journey from minor disobedience to flagrant violations serves as a stark warning to avoid even the smallest compromises that can lead to significant transgressions.

Nothing erodes convictions and standards faster than compromise. Human beings are skilled in this area, and even Solomon, extolled for his wisdom, fell victim to it, severely tarnishing his reputation. Compromise is a weakening or giving up of principles or ideals for reasons of expediency, which is always based in self-interest. Solomon compromised with God's way for personal and political advantage by giving in to his wives' idolatrous practices. Although God granted him unparalleled wisdom, Solomon allowed himself to reject God's commands by not applying the wisdom at his disposal. His example teaches a lesson about the danger of compromise with God's law, especially in areas viewed as small or unimportant. Seemingly inconsequential compromises can lead to greater sins and make repentance more difficult. The more one compromises, the harder it is to return to the faith once delivered. Solomon's series of compromises gradually distorted his understanding of God and His ways. Wise Solomon fell victim to the temptation to compromise in what he thought were small concerns or gray areas. The danger in such reasoning is that small compromises weaken character and, over time, lead to major sins. Just as character can grow little by little, so one can backslide in the same manner. His experience serves as a warning of what will befall those who follow his example of compromise. If resolve slackens to keep all of God's commands, even those deemed less important, the God-given understanding of His way to eternal life will gradually be lost. Solomon may not have understood the far-reaching impact of his little sins, but by giving royal sanction to the worship of pagan deities, he set a precedent followed by many after him. Satan begins making inroads when he influences compromise on God's law to follow one's own way. Once compromise begins, the process of sin starts, and its ultimate end is death. The time to stop this process is at the beginning, when the pulls are still small and simple, nipping sin in the bud before the enduring consequences of compromise can bloom.

Compromising with the laws of God stands as a grave danger, marking the signature of our perilous times and threatening the downfall of nations. This society has largely forsaken the character it once held, with many who once shared fellowship now abandoning their beliefs, either returning to worldly ways or creating new doctrines, thus losing their faith and zeal. In various examples, compromise reveals its destructive nature. Some, like the five wise virgins, did not compromise on their promise to draw close to God through obedience, prayer, and study, maintaining their relationship with Him. Others merely went through the motions, failing to uphold their commitment. Similarly, among those given tasks according to their abilities, one compromised on the effort required, losing all potential for a wonderful future. In the separation of sheep and goats, the goats, consumed by their own lives, ignored the needs of others, embodying an independent streak that led to devastating consequences without a second chance. The story of Solomon exemplifies the peril of compromise. Despite his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and intimate relationship with God, Solomon began to drift by disregarding seemingly minor instructions, such as importing horses and chariots from Egypt, which God forbade to ensure reliance on Him rather than military might. This small infraction marked the beginning of Solomon's separation from God. Over time, his compromises grew, leading to major sins as he took numerous wives and concubines who turned his heart to idolatry, condoning worship of pagan deities like Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech. What started as minor deviations ended in flagrant violations, setting a precedent for future generations and costing dearly. In contrast, Josiah, a righteous king, upon discovering the book of the law, immediately removed horses dedicated to the sun and burned the chariots, refusing to delay or compromise even in seemingly small matters. This highlights the importance of resisting human reasoning that justifies compromise, especially in minor areas, for it is here that satan makes the greatest inroads. Once compromise begins, the process of sin starts, eroding godly character and opening the way for greater transgressions. If Solomon, the wisest man save for Jesus Christ, could fall through small compromises leading to major sins, so can anyone. The lesson is clear: worship must be in spirit and truth, not in compromise, to avoid the path of destruction.