Compromise is divine!

Before the U.S. Congress took a summer brake (a time to travel home and listen to what the local voters want to say), they had been locked up in the capitol for weeks. Our growing national debt demanded that they raise the debt-ceiling.
There were calls from throughout the country, and around the world, that ideologies be set aside in order to find a compromise. But, for too many in congress “compromise” is a dirty word. Today, in our society, there are many who approach solving problems with the attitude “my way” or “no way”! For them, to compromise would be to lose; and many will not go there.

In a couple weeks I have a wedding on my calendar. I’ve known the groom for over twelve years; and have gotten to know the bride well in a short time. They will be making promises with each other. I say “making promises with
each other” because that is the definition of compromise. And it strikes me how marriage is the foundational compromise within our culture.

There is, of course, a higher and eternal compromise. When God seeks to make a covenant with humankind he says “I will be your God and you can be my people” When the people turn to worship and serve others (breaking the promises they have made with God) the response is telling. In hurt and sadness God says: “But, I was your Husband”!

I pray that the members of the U. S. Congress who know and cherish the promises they have with God; will be able to learn, from Him, how to Promise with one another and that compromise is not a dirty word. Compromise it is actually the foundation of any lasting relationship, be it a family or a republic.