the diligent "don't" compromise 

“..They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully...” (Psalms 119:3-4 NLT).“…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).

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God’s Holy Spirit is a DILIGENT Spirit. He does the WORK. He WORKS “in” and “through” his people. He begins a good WORK within his people and his matures them. God doesn’t change. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is the SAME yesterday, today, and always. God, the Holy Spirit, is FAITHFUL. 

God, the Holy Spirit, therefore, is DILIGENT. Diligent means a consistent and determined hard worker who doesn’t STOP until the TASK is done. Diligent is the way to get things done. Becoming a diligent person means you WORK with purpose. It means you WORK with a goal in mind. It means you set guidelines in order to reach those goals. 

You also set boundaries to eliminate distractions, behaviors, mind sets, thoughts, emotions, or things that would sabotage those goals. Diligence is NOT about setting rules or regulations, but it is about willfully choosing to establish a lifestyle that will bring about a healthy physical life and also sustain it. 

When it comes to your physical life and health is it better NOT to compromise when you are trying to establish a healthy lifestyle. COMPROMISE is not DILIGENCE, but it will cause or encourage you to SETTLE for behaviors, mindsets, thoughts, emotions, or things that are LOWER in standard which leads to damage, destruction, and sabotage of one’s goals. When trying to establish a healthy physical life in order to do the WORK God sent you to do upon earth, it is best NOT to make ANY concessions for the sinful nature. 

The sinful nature DOES NOT and NEVER HAS followed or agreed with the HOLY STANDARDS of God’s Word. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, is DILIGENT and wants his children (people) to be LIKE him. “…In this world … [God’s people] … are [called to be].... LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…Jesus Christ is the same …forever…” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). 

God REMAINS faithful to WHO he is and WILL NEVER compromise his DIVINE character. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).    

They are to “...be[come] … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD, DOES NOT compromise his HOLY standards EVER!  His people are to IMITATE his behavior in ALL they DO! “..They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully...” (Psalms 119:3-4 NLT).“…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). 

However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART (WILLFULLY) departeth from the Lord (Jesus, God’s word or instructions)…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV). 

God’s people ARE faithful and diligent, choosing NOT to compromises or deviate from his HOLY STANDARDS even when it hurts or it’s hard. “..though he (God) slay me (or it feels like he’s killing me), yet will I trust in him (and depend upon him)…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “….All the days of my appointed TIME will I WAIT, till my CHANGE come…” (Job 14:14 KJV). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises (to diligently keep trusting and depending upon HIM) even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). 

God’s people CHOOSE “not” to COMPROMISE God’s HOLY STANDARDS in any area of their lives and they SUBMIT to his will when it comes to CARING for their earthen vessels or BODIES. Remember when Jesus came to earth a BODY was prepared for him. “...But You have prepared a body for Me...” (Hebrews 10:5-7 NASB).

 Jesus needed the BODY in order to carry out God’s purpose, for his life, upon earth. “...The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations...” (Jeremiah 1:4-5 NASB). Thus, the BODY is just a VESSEL for the SOUL to USE to carry out their God-given assignments upon earth. 

The BODY also becomes a TEMPLE for the Holy Spirit and the anointing that NOW dwells within them. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). The BODY of God’s people belong to Him, the indwelling Holy Spirit and God USES that BODY, while they’re upon the earth, to DISPLAY his GLORY by revealing his presence, his goodnesses, and his working POWER through them. “...Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB). 

The BODY, thus, is a vessel for God, the Holy Spirit and the soul, which becomes a LIVING SOUL when reconciled to one another through Jesus, is able to EXPRESS, REVEAL, and DEMONSTRATE God’s attributes to the world in order to RECONCILE mankind BACK into a loving, covenant relationship with HIM. God, the Holy Spirit, says through Jesus, his WORD: “...Beloved, I wish (it is God’s will) above all things that thou (his people) mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth...” (3 John 1:2 KJV). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…[Jesus, the Word said,] I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father (God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...He (Jesus) gave Himself over (submitted) to Him (God, the Holy Spirit) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV). 

God’s people are to trust and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, through Jesus to empower them to be diligent, NOT compromise, nor depend upon human traditions or principles to instruct them.“...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings.... These rules may seem wise ..But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “… I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

“...Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything...” (Colossians 2:8-10 MSG).

 “...So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as God’s still calling it Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we’re in this with Christ for the long haul.These words keep ringing in our ears: Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear as in the bitter uprising...” (Hebrews 3:12-14 MSG). “...Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ...” (Colossians 2:8 KJV). “... Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). 

God’s people NOT ONLY choose to be FAITHFUL and DILIGENT to God’s HOLY STANDARDS, but they are also witnesses and defenders of God’s principles by what they DO, how they THINK, and how they CONDUCT themselves in the every day affairs of life. God’s people are DILIGENT. God’s people DO NOT compromise HIS standards for daily living. Through thick and thin they choose day after day to be FAITHFUL to God and his instructions by paying CAREFUL attention to what they SAY, THINK, and DO.

 When ASKED why they are so faithful, diligent, and uncompromising when it comes to their covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit they can lovingly, meekly and kindly answer: “...I love God and I choose to KEEP his commandments for my life...”  “...[So]... sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man (woman) that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear...” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV). God’s people are faithful, diligent, and uncompromising because, they know, that even their CONDUCT speaks, witnesses, and defends God’s WORD. 

However, his people choose to GLORIFY HIM, either through speech or conduct, they are aware they are LIGHTS of the LORD showing others THE WAY to escape the SNARE of the devil. “...And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will...” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV). 

When God’s people COMPROMISE HIS Holy standards their speech, witness, or defense of the GOSPEL becomes questionable and they be deemed as LIARS. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the show of spiritual fruit, revelation knowledge, or righteous deeds), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). 

Professing to have an allegiance to God is NOT the same as daily, not Sunday to Sunday, but DAILY DEMONSTRATING an allegiance to God by what you SAY, THINK, DO, and by how you BEHAVE. When what you SAY, THINK, DO, or BEHAVE, whether aware it or not, DOES NOT line-up with God’s HOLY STANDARDS for DAILY LIVING what should you do?! 

1. ASK GOD. King David said: “...see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting...” (Psalms 139:24 KJV). “...Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life...” (Psalms 139:24 MSG). “.. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting...” (Psalms 139:24 NIV). “...Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life...” (Psalms 139:24 NLT). “...And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way...” (Psalm 139:24 NASB). “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). 

2 RECEIVE HIS CORRECTION or DISCIPLINE. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG). “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). 

3 HUMBLE YOURSELF. “...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE...” (1 Peter 5:5 NASB). “...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV). “…LEARN from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

 4 CONFESS YOUR FAULTS. “...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). 

5 ASK FOR GOD’S HELP. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). 

6. TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO WORK “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU TO BE FAITHFUL, DILIGENT, AND UNCOMPROMISING. “…the Father that dwelleth in [earthen vessels], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). It is “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us (earthen vessels) who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us (earthen vessels) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God’s people say: “...I can do all things through Christ...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  

 He will “…strengthened [his people]… with might by his Spirit [of TRUTH]... in the inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens his people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

 God’s people have EVERYTHING, they NEED, that is necessary for both the earthly life and the spiritual life. “…his (God, the Holy Spirit’s) divine power hath given unto [his people]... ALL THINGS that pertain (are related) unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). UTILIZING, by faith, the blessings, gifts, and r

iches of God’s GLORY is a choice each individual, child of God, makes for themselves. The decision is a personal one and is NEVER the responsible of another person to fulfill on your behalf. God’s WORD says: “… I have set before YOU life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “...Jesus (the LIVING Word of God, the indwelling Spirit, the LIGHT, God’s working POWER) saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…choose LIFE … ” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).   

COMPROMISE is often what makes God’s people LUKEWARM in certain areas of their LIFE. For instance, on one hand, you want a good, wholesome, healthy physical life, but on the other you will COMPROMISE that good, wholesome, healthy physical life every time the devil presents a sabotaging opportunity. 

RESIST THE DEVIL! DON’T LET HIM INTO “ANY” AREA OF YOUR LIFE. “...do not give the devil an opportunity...” (Ephesians 4:27 NASB). “...Neithergive place to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV). “...do not give the devil a foothold...” (Ephesian 4:27 NLT). “...Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life...” (Ephesians 4:26-27 MSG). 

This scripture is talking about anger, but the bottom line is whatever the issue or problem, or attitude DON’T LET the DEVIL into the situation or circumstance! “… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “...I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other...” (Revelation 3:15 KJV).  

 “...I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless...” (Revelation 3:15-17 MSG). God, the Holy Spirit is NOT and NEVER will be a COMPROMISING God. He NEVER changes for ANY reason or any PERSON. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). 

God REMAINS faithful to WHO he is and WILL NEVER compromise his DIVINE character. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). They are to “...be[come] … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “..[Therefore, God’s people]... do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. [God, the Holy Spirit]... have charged [them to]... keep [his]...commandments carefully...” (Psalms 119:3-4 NLT). 

God’s people CHOOSE, willfully, NOT to compromise living DAILY by God’s HOLY STANDARDS for any reason or anyone!