Abstract
According to the endorsements included in No Compromise: Thoughts from a Christian College President, Robert M. Myers has written a book which nourishes the reader “intellectually and spiritually” (Warren Cole Smith) with its “encouraging axioms, inspirational anecdotes, soul-stirring scriptures, proverbs and principles to replenish [the] believers’ virtue when [their] fire needs a fresh breeze to set it ablaze” (Dr. Kelvin J. Cochran). These endorsers have described the author’s purpose with clarity and accuracy as he seeks to encourage today’s Christians to “anchor [their] trust in Jesus Christ and challenge [them] to live courageously for Him” (Terry D. Smith).
Myers challenges his readers to consider whether “cultural correctness has influenced” their lives “in a negative way” (p. vii). He asks them if they have compromised their biblical standards. Myers then dares his readers “to realign [their] thoughts and life direction” and “get back to the course God laid out for [them].” With short stories, the author illustrates how people have made a difference in the world. There are stories which emphasize the importance of wearing the label of “following Christ” (p. 2); of forgiving oneself and others as Christ has done; of exhibiting hope when life takes an unexpected turn; and of evidencing God’s absolute truth in today’s world.
Reminders of God’s presence in America’s history, of the futility of worry, of the importance of checking one’s “spiritual engine light” (p. 19), and of guarding one’s heart from “absurd decisions” (p. 22) encourage Christians to remain true to the course. The cautions against comparing oneself to others and against the consumer mindset were also included to keep Christians from stumbling. Great emphasis was placed on developing the godly characteristics of thankfulness, patience, integrity, discipline, kindness, and persistence. In addition, the steps to determining God’s will for one’s life are included as well.
Myers is fearless as he addresses marriage, abortion, intelligent design, apologetics, and the authenticity of the Bible. He underscores the importance of laughter, unselfishness, listening to God, prayer, faith, and hope. The short story, “Collecting Shopping Carts,” is especially memorable because a store manager is in the parking lot collecting shopping carts along with his employees who were responsible for the task. The author comments: “Now here is a lesson for all of us, a lesson not just in leadership, but rather in our modeling of Christianity” (p. 119).
Repeatedly, Myers reminds his readers to begin practicing the teachings of Christ or “take down [their] sign” (p. 135). He emphasizes: “It’s time for Christians to be Christians. It’s time to speak into our culture and talk about issues in our culture that are clearly sin. We can’t sit back and simply wait for someone else to do it” (p. 135). Christians must speak up for biblical truth before the time is past for their voices to have any impact.
Each of the stories included in No Compromise: Thoughts from a Christian College President is refreshing, challenging, and transparent. Some stories are humorous; others are thought-provoking; and still others call his readers to correction and action. Myers writes with clarity and accuracy. Moreover, the lessons and morals of the stories lead his readers to valid conclusions.
By including selections that address specific needs in today’s world, Myers has accomplished his purpose: “that although culture shifts, there is no compromise when it comes to following Christ” (p. iii). Readers will enjoy Myers’ relaxed writing style with its simple vocabulary and flowing sentences as he challenges them with illustrations to cling tightly to their faith in Christ and commands of God’s word. Although not a great academic work, No Compromise: Thoughts from a Christian College President belongs in the library of every Christian as they struggle to navigate the complicated issues that face him or her every day. Especially meaningful to the reviewer was the personal note written on the inside cover of the book, which accomplished his overall purpose: to be an encourager.