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Unbending Integrity, August 24
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me
before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
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In every action of life the true Christian is just what he desires those
around him to think he is. He is guided by truth and uprightness. He does
not scheme; therefore he has nothing to gloss over. He may be criticized,
he may be tested; but through all, his unbending integrity shines out like
pure gold. He is a friend and benefactor to all connected with him, and his
fellow men place confidence in him, for he is trustworthy. Does he employ
laborers to gather in his harvest? He does not keep back their hard-earned
money. Has he means for which he has no immediate use? He relieves
the necessities of his less-fortunate brother. He does not seek to enlarge
his possessions by taking advantage of the untoward circumstances of his
neighbor. He accepts only a fair price for that which he sells. If there are
defects in the articles sold, he frankly tells the buyer, even though by so
doing he may seem to work against his own pecuniary interests....
Satan knows full well what a power for good is the life of a man of
unbending integrity, and he puts forth zealous efforts to prevent men from
living such lives. He comes to them with alluring temptations, promising
them wealth, position, worldly honor, if they will but yield the principles
of righteousness. And he has much success.... From the sad history of
many who have failed we learn the danger of prosperity. It is not those
who have lost their property who are in greatest danger, but those who
have obtained a fortune.... Prayer is often requested for men and women
in affliction, and this is right. But those in prosperity are more in need
of the prayers of God’s servants, for they are in greater danger of losing
salvation. In the valley of humiliation men walk securely while they
reverence God and make Him their trust. On the lofty pinnacle, where
praise is heard they need the help of special power from above....
True religion is not an experiment. It is an actual imitation of Christ.
God keeps a personal account with every man, testing him by the practical
results of his work. Soon will be heard the call, “Give an account of thy
stewardship.”
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