Fear and Compromise
Psalm 56:1-7,11-13, Hebrews 13: 1-6, and Matt. 10:26-32
Here are some definitions to remember:
Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Compromise: an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
One of the intersections between fear and compromise is about control. Control means to get the other person to obey their wishes. The controlling person may initially introduce themselves as someone who is kind and open to the best interests of both people, but in reality they have a personal agenda that they do not which to expose lest their plans are spoiled.
Eventually the person who wishes to control begins to make threats or other displays of power so that the weaker person will give into their will. The stronger a person becomes in control the weaker the other person becomes, thus inhibiting opportunities for any true compromise, negotiation, and teamwork.
One more word comes into play:
Manipulation: to control through a skillful manner or plan.
We can loop all three words (fear, compromise, manipulation) in one common theme. The use of fear to manipulate others so that so that the weaker party will be forced to compromise in a manner that is against their will or best interests.
However, a weaker person made strong in the Lord will not give into mankind’s desires for power. Do not give up your understanding of what is right to gain favor of people. Rather, please the Lord with all your heart.
- Michael Zerkich
Image by zest-pk (flickr)
