At What Price Will You Compromise?

An advertising agency calls a famous athlete and asks if he would pose with a bottle of Gordon’s Gin for a billboard campaign. The athlete replies, “I simply cannot do that because of my religious beliefs.” The executive says, “We will pay you $1 million if you will simply let us take your picture with our product.” After a long pause, the athlete says, “Hmm, let me think about it.”

He goes to his bishop, explains the million-dollar offer, and asks his advice. The bishop says, “Don’t do it! You would be setting a bad example for our young people and would compromise your faith.” The athlete calls the ad executive and says, “I’ve decided to turn down your offer.”

Two weeks later, the athlete is driving down Hollywood Boulevard and looks up at the billboard. He’s shocked to see his bishop wearing his black liturgical robe and holding a bottle of Gordon’s Gin. The caption says: “It is simply divine and has a heavenly taste!”

Some people will compromise what they claim to believe if the price is right. Before Israel conquered Jericho, God told the Israelites to destroy everything, but to keep all the gold and silver for the treasury of the Lord.

When the men of Israel invaded Jericho and started destroying everything, Achan secretly took some gold, silver, and a beautiful robe, and then hid them in the ground under his tent (Josh. 7:21). He thought he got away with it, but he forgot God was watching. His sin brought a curse upon Israel, and the only way for the curse to be lifted was to execute the person responsible. Achan was stoned to death, along with his family (7:24-26).

The phrase “every man has his price” suggests that no individual is immune to bribery or corruption, implying that anyone can be swayed to compromise given the right incentive. That’s true for many people, but not everyone. The only guaranteed way to not compromise your integrity is if your love for God is greater than the bribe you’re being offered.  www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com   www.makinglifecount.net

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