Compromise. A word with double meaning. It could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. When two (or more) people compromise or soften a position for the purpose of moving forward or making things right or unity, that is a good thing. Sometimes it is called “The Art of the Deal.” However, compromise can also carry a bad connotation. It gives the idea of softening too much, of giving in without much of a struggle, especially in the world of values and beliefs.
My thoughts turn this morning to a character in the book of Judges that all I have to say is one word or one couple and 99% of the people know who I am speaking about. Hint: (_________) and Delilah. But much goes on in the life of Samson long before his escapade with Delilah. Here is a brief summary:
- Born with a Nazirite vow over him. The vow required no strong drink, to not eat any forbidden food, and, in Samson’s case, don’t cut his hair. Even his mother had to abide by the first two while pregnant.
- Samson is born and in time kills a lion who attacks him. Later he touches the carcass to get some honey. A clear violation of his vow.
- He falls in love with a Philistine woman, a clear violation of his sanity. The Philistines were Public Enemy #1 to the Israelites. His misadventures involving her were many.
- Later he spends time with a prostitute in Gaza. Again, a clear violation of his vow. (What is it with these Philistine woman?)
- He meets his match in Delilah, a Philistine woman (Same question as above). If you know the story, Delilah whined her way into his secret: “cut my hair and I will be as weak as any other man.” Even that was not a spur of the moment revelation. He slowly got closer and closer to revealing the source of his strength with her.
Samson is captured, his eyes gouged out and he is put in prison. His long locks of hair now gone. They were a symbol of his vow and the presence and power of God. But in all of this mess something good is happening. Judges 16:22 tells us: “But before long, his hair began to grow back.” Lost in his compromise was the presence and power of God. But deep in that dungeon where he ground out grain, Samson’s relationship with God was being restored.
The consequence for Samson’s compromise was dark and painful. Compromising our values and beliefs leads to pain unimaginable. Maybe feeling cut off from God’s presence and power. But just as Samson’s hair began to grow again, our relationship can be restored. Don’t allow the fleeting pleasures of this life lead to a compromise you will regret.
