Much of what Chandler says in this excerpt I’ve said very similar things many times over. I think he gets right to the heart of the issue.
Can a woman forget her nursing child,or lack compassion for the child of her womb?Even if these forget,yet I will not forget you.
-Isaiah 49:15
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:15
Whenever the Romans won a major military victory they would celebrate with a spectacular parade. The commandinggeneral would lead the procession in a magnificent chariot, followedby his soldiers, musicians, and other officials. Then, soldiers wouldlead the defeated enemies through the city in bondage. As a part of the celebration, the Romans would burn fragrances on altars, filling the entire city with a pleasant aroma. Even those who could notwitness the triumphal procession could hear the victory music andsmell the pleasing incense. Everyone would know that their army hadbeen victorious.
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or doI seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be abondservant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
At times you will have to make a choice between pleasing God and pleasing those around you, for God’s ways are not man’s ways (Isa. 55:8–9). As important as it is to strivefor good relations with others, it is even more important to maintaina steadfast and obedient relationship with Christ. Disobeying God tokeep peace with other people is never wise. Peace with God is alwaysparamount. Jesus warned that obeying Him might cause division in yourrelationships (Matt. 10:35–36).
“Here I am. Witness against me before the Lordand before His anointed… . And they said, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.”
1Samuel 12:3a–4
There is a freedom that comes in having nothing to hide. Living a life of integrity allows you this freedom. Yourintegrity is measured not by what you say about yourself but by whatGod and people say about you. Samuel had lived all his life among thepeople of God. Leaders who preceded him were dishonest and corrupt; itwould have been easy for Samuel to compromise in his dealings as well.Near the end of his life, however, Samuel could boldly stand beforehis nation and ask them to reveal any offense he had committed againstany of them. They could not think of one. In his position ofleadership, Samuel could have taken advantage of people.
So you shall put away the evil from among you.
Deuteronomy 22:21b
It is a dangerous and costly mistake not to take temptation seriously. The sad testimony of many who have succumbed tosin’s enticements is that they thought they were strong enough toremain in the midst of temptation and resist it. God requires that Hispeople remove evil from their midst (Deut. 21:21). One way to do thisis to remove anything in your environment that may tempt you to sin.When wickedness surrounds you, you are in danger of becominganesthetized to its destructive potential. Never assume that you areimmune to temptation. Do not underestimate the craftiness of the evil one.
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