Not For Sale!

The claim has been made that anyone can be bought if the price is high enough. However, to be influenced away from the truth and what we believe by any price reveals a lack of INTEGRITY. The temptation to accept may be there, but are we resolved to never sell out? Are we focused to hold firmly to the principles of life we have come to hold that are based on God's Will?

George Washington has been quoted as saying, "Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder." Is that what we see as we look around us? What has happened to the world's morals? What has become of honesty and INTEGRITY in the every day activities of life? Has it become difficult to know what others truly do believe? How true it is that those who will stand for nothing will fall for anything!

Someone else has stated, "Character is a victory, not a gift." Perhaps the truth relative to that statement is that the INTEGRITY revealed in our unwillingness to be swayed by the world is a sign of victory over the temptation to cave in to the pressure that can be great.

There were many who did not confess belief in Jesus because the focus of others was more important to them. John recorded this where we read. . .
"(42) Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; (43) for they LOVED THE GLORY that comes FROM MAN MORE THAN the GLORY that comes FROM GOD." ( John 12:42-43 ESV)

What (or who) has the greatest INFLUENCE in our life? Do we cave in to the desires of others? Can we be bought whether that be with money, position, or popularity? Are we seen as wishy-washy or firm in our convictions?

As Christians we should live acknowledging we are "not for sale!" Why? Because we really belong to another Who has already bought us.

Paul wrote. . .
"(19) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN, (20) for YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. So GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY." ( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)

This being true, how can we even think of selling ourselves to the world's highest bidder? Let us remember the high price that was already paid by the Lord for our souls. (i.e. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1) Belonging to God we need to continually uphold His Will. We are to hold onto our INTEGRITY in accordance with the character now instilled within us as children of God. May those around us begin to clearly see where we stand firm.

As Paul also exhorted. . .
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

Have a great day REMAINING GOD'S BLESSED POSSESSION!
Carl

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