What Things Are Not Negotiable?

The desire to be liked even if not respected is a great weakness in any man's character, and in that of a minister of Jesus Christ it is a weakness wholly inexcusable. The popular image of the man of God as a smiling, congenial, asexual religious mascot whose handshake is always soft and whose head is always bobbing in the perpetual Yes of universal acquiescence is not the image found in the Scriptures of truth.
This is a profound truth.


The blessing of God is promised to the peacemaker, but the religious negotiator had better watch his step. The ability to settle quarrels between members of God's household is a heavenly gift and one that should be assiduously cultivated. The discerning soul who can reconcile separated friends by prayer and appeal to the Scriptures is worth his weight in diamonds.



That is one thing, but the effort to achieve unity at the expense of truth and righteousness is another. To seek to be friends with those who will not be the friends of Christ is to be a traitor to our Lord. Darkness and light can never be brought together by talk. Some things are not negotiable.

This is a brilliant article. Thank you Mabel.
 
I thought the article was well done as the author is very well known and considered one of the very best contributors to the FAITH community.

There are indeed absolute non-negotiables.

The one first and foremost is salvation through faith alone in Jesus Christ I AM by no other means.
 
Good morning, Mabel;

I missed this thread from Wednesday. Wow! A.W. Tozer, an anointed minister and author we studied / trained back at seminary.

Quote from his article, "To seek to be friends with those who will not be the friends of Christ is to be a traitor to our Lord."

A Christian's "audience," approval and admonishment is solely God. A pastor must also get a grip on this, that in his service not everyone will like him.

Examples are a Pastor's spiritual decision, mediating a personality conflict, settling the correct context in a Bible study or a congregant feeling convicted from the sermon can spark a dislike.

Another quote from Tozer's article, "Tolerance, charity, understanding, good will, patience and other such words and ideas are lifted from the Bible, misunderstood and applied indiscriminately to every situation."

It's accountability of the disciple to emulate the character of Jesus as we interface with our biggest ministry, people.

Just the same, the Pastor must tend to the flock (people) God has appointed him. A phone call, email, text, shaking hands or giving a hug so the Church family member know they are loved, being prayed for and thought of.

The focus should not be so much on being liked, popular or carry a celebratory attitude, instead attend to the ones who need loving, supporting, praying, feeding and ministering to.

God bless you, Mabel, and thank you for sharing this thread, What Things Are Not Negotiable?

Bob
 

The Father Above All​

Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.



In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul was emphasizing the things that unify Christians. As there is one faith, one baptism and one Lord Jesus Christ (verse 5), there is one God the Father. He is the universal unifying factor. Though He is the supreme authority of the universe, He is willing to dwell with us and to be our Father (2 Corinthians 6:16, 18).

The Father and the Son are completely unified and equal in their form of existence (Philippians 2:6), but Christ stated that the Father has the preeminence (John 14:28).

After all enemies, including death, are put away, Christ will continue to be “subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

For more about the Father and the Son, see our articles “God as a Father” and “Jesus, the Son of God.”

[Note: Personally we are non-denominationalists members of The Bride Church.]
 
We must as a united Bride Church fellowship be in agreement on the basics of doctrine.

Being a Pastor correctly shepherding his flock under the supreme guidance of GOD I AM is paramount.

The rewards of a job well done for those who are GOD pleasers and not man pleasers will be crowns. Running this race not for the faint of heart —

A special calling in the tradition of Saint Polycarp leader of the completely blessed church of Smyrna in Revelation.

Some false shepherds are not up to the task of standing up against a stake willingly surrounded by The Great Shepherd no matter the cost.

Indeed a precious calling pleasing in I AM’s sight one who successfully takes the task to its completion.
 
Mabel Lean said:
(See Bible Verse of the Day Devotional of Bible Portal)

Morning Devotional for December 17, 2025​

A.W. Tozer

Man - The Dwelling Place of God - Some Things Are Not Negotiable​

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What are some non-negational things???

The fact that the only way to have eternal life and peace in heaven is with Jesus.

Character!

I would think that one of the top ones would be to always keep your word!

I would also say that having fun in life would be something that we should not negotiate.

Then with a little thought, i would say that debating the price of an office visit to a dentist with a toothache would be high on my list.
 
Major said:
Then with a little thought, i would say that debating the price of an office visit to a dentist with a toothache would be high on my list.
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Very funny 😆

God The Father and His Son have the ultimate in senses of humor.

Can you cite where their wit is not so obvious?

Thinking for instance using an ass to speak.

I know some folks think that The Chosen series produced is heretical especially if a viewer does not know Scripture well enough to sort out the fictitious dialog.

However It does dramatize the sardonic humor especially in some speeches of Jesus such as the parables.

Looking forward to sitting at the feet of The Master when I crossover. Must be a fabulous honor to hear His voice!

Yes, am odd!
 
Mabel Lean said:
Very funny 😆

God The Father and His Son have the ultimate in senses of humor.

Can you cite where their wit is not so obvious?

Thinking for instance using an ass to speak.

I know some folks think that The Chosen series produced is heretical especially if a viewer does not know Scripture well enough to sort out the fictitious dialog.

However It does dramatize the sardonic humor especially in some speeches of Jesus such as the parables.

Looking forward to sitting at the feet of The Master when I crossover. Must be a fabulous honor to hear His voice!

Yes, am odd!
Click to expand...
Does God have a sense of humor?????

Remember when the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant?
They placed it in their temple before their idol of Dagon. They came into the temple the next day and found Dagon flat on his face before the ark. They set him back up. The next morning, there he was again, but this time he had his hands and head cut off as a symbol of his powerlessness before the God of the ark. God’s putting Dagon in a position of submission to His ark is a comical picture.

I think about Samuel telling Saul to kill all the Armalcolites, and ALL their animals! Then when he visited, Samuel asked if it was done and Sual said yes. Sanuel then asked....."What then is all the bleating I am hearing"!
 
Ooo Maj,

Great examples!

Yeppers!

That’s Our GOD!

I chuckle with Him appreciatively!

We serve a GREAT GOD!

Hallelujah Amen.

~ Mabe
 
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