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I will be sharing another excerpt from the book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly world,” in a minute. But first I want to let you know that the book is on sale right now on this site. In the retail stores, this book is $19.99, but on this site only it is $15.99. The shipping has been cut in half as well. A total savings of over $6.00. Just click on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page to check it out.
This book reaches out to those who may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.
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Today’s excerpt talks about how some of us will do anything to move ahead in the world, even if it means stepping on someone’s toe along the way to do it.
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Chapter 37
For Sale by Owner
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:9
As some people go through their lives they often plow through their days acting as if they are the king or queen. Have you sometimes wanted to let others know how important you are? Have you looked down on those who may not live up to your standards? Do you get depressed when things don’t go exactly as you want them to? (Come on! Be honest now.)
This thinking often leads to doing things that may be very unethical. What can I do to better myself—no matter what the cost? How can I move ahead in the world?
These thoughts may lead to a “tiny little sin”—maybe just telling a fib about someone, hoping it will spread to others. Soon the little fib has grown into a full-blown lie and the person you lied about suffers because of what you said.
After you have done this and gotten away with it, you decide to take another giant step and plant some damaging information about another employee where everyone can see it. Again the person is given a hard time by the rest of his or her coworkers, and the person you maligned leaves.
Now you’re on a roll! There are only a couple more people in your way, and then you are at the top.
This is probably about someone else, or is it? Have you done something similar to this? Is your climbing the ladder so important that you find ways to advance?
This is playing on Satan’s team—the Hell-Bound Desperados! The prince of darkness is whispering in your ear. He is telling you that hurting others to advance yourself is done by everyone else. Why shouldn’t you do it too?
Here are some other thoughts Satan may be whispering in your ear:
“Go get success at any price.” However God says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew6:33).
“Seek riches at any cost!” God says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth … But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20).
“If it feels so good, do it.” But God says, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 2:42). 1
Doing the evil it takes to advance yourself is like having a big sign on your chest that says, “For sale by owner.” (And the fine print will read: “Sold to the highest bidder.”) This is saying you’re willing to give up your soul to get the prize. You are letting Satan know that your soul can be used by him. You may get ahead in life, but your behind will be sitting in a very hot climate in death.
This all sounds pretty harsh for just telling a few lies so you can step over your fellow workers and advance. But if you feel your life is so important that no one can stand in your way, I have some “Death Valley” property in mind for you that has plenty of heat year-round. There aren’t any lemonade stands to cool you down either.
Are you thirsty for fame, power and material things? You will die of thirst. Those things are like water from the ocean. They don’t quench your thirst; they kill.
You need to hang a new sign on your chest that says, “Under construction.” God is never through letting us grow. We will always be tested. We are always faced with trials. The sign that is selling your soul to get ahead does not need to control your life. Get a scissors and cut that sign off your chest right now!
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives
false testimony against his neighbor.
Proverbs 25:18
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ,
who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.
Acts 3:19–20 (emphasis mine)
(I had to end this with something positive to quench your thirst from all the heat you just read about!)
Further Adventures
Everything I said in this chapter probably will never happen in your life. You know what is right and wrong. You know that stepping on others is not the way to try to get ahead. Rising up the ladder of success, no matter what you have to do, is not part of your thinking. Right?????
Something to Ponder