If God's servant grows lazy and slack in his ministry, God will remind him of his responsibility to God and man. If he does not repent and begin to serve God faithfully, the authority and power of God will begin to leave him.

What will he do? He has been a prominent figure in the Christian realm but now he is in danger of losing his position. He doesn't feel competent to make a living in the world and he is ashamed to sink to a lowly place in the sight of people.

He begins to compromise.

He makes friends of his congregation, his listeners. He tells them God is love, God does not want them to suffer, God desires they be rich and enjoy every pleasure and luxury in this present world.

What is his intention and motive? He is suing for peace. He is currying favor. He hopes to obtain security by making friends with the people. He does so by telling them God is not as demanding as they think.

This is what is taking place in Christianity today. In many instances the Christian leaders are currying favor with the people. They hold back what they feel will displease the people and tell them what they wish to hear. By so doing they gain support and thus are able to find a measure of economic security.

It has become fashionable, in Christians, to poll the people: "What kind of service would you like? What kind of music do you enjoy? Would you like a short or long service? How do you want the youth program to be conducted?"

This reminds us of, "Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty." You tell us how much you owe God; how we should minister the Gospel to you.

According to the Lord Jesus, such "pastors" are behaving wisely. God has discharged them from His service because they have not been faithful to Him. By making friends of the people they are providing a home for themselves.

The spirit of compromise abounds among us.

How many ministers of the Gospel are willing to take the time to find what God wants said, and then to say it exactly as God gave it to them without regard to the opinions and desires of their listeners?

How many, on the other hand, are careful to neither say or do anything that could jeopardize the institution they represent, whether a church or a denomination?

We are not advocating foolish, insensitive speech or actions. We are pointing out that the pressure on the Christian leader to gain his income and status by organizing a large number of people is causing the Christian ministry to compromise the Word of God.

"Take your bill and write fifty."

Tell them what they want to hear. Don't rock the boat. Be positive. Avoid the negative. Keep everyone smiling.

Don't offend anyone. Make a good impression in the community. Use celebrities to bring in the crowds.

All of this, whether in a local church or an organizational headquarters, is an abomination to God.

To be continued.