Every Man Has His Price

By Jeff Curtis

In Job chapter 1 we read that delivered a terrible blow to the man Job, then Satan returned to tempt him. After Jesus was tempted by Satan in Luke 4, we read, that the devil “left Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). There is no doubt Jesus was tempted by the evil one throughout His ministry, which culminated in His passion. We can only imagine the intensity of such temptations as Jesus resolved to do the Father’s will while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, while being tried before Pilate, and while suffering on the cross on Golgotha.

Satan assumed that Job would sacrifice all that he possessed (children, servants, flocks, and herds) in order to spare his own life (Job 2:4). In other words, Satan was accusing Job of being self-centered and self-preserving. It is sometimes said today that “every man has his price.” The idea is that a person will compromise his integrity if the rewards are great enough. However, such gains are only temporary and soon fade away. Jesus reframed the issue by asking these questions; “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). As Christians, we must make ethical choices based upon what pleases God, rather than what seems “profitable” from a worldly point of view. Like Jesus, we must be willing to sacrifice (even our lives) for the truth.

Satan continues to attack us today, seeking “an opportune time.” He attacks when we are weak and vulnerable. That is why we are encouraged to “be on alert” (1Peter 5:8). James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The Christian life is a spiritual battle in which continual vigilance and the proper battle gear are essential to success (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Using Our Talents Wisely

by Richard Thetford

Life is what we make of it. A Blacksmith takes five dollars’ worth of iron and makes it into horseshoes and gets twenty dollars for them. A machinist fashions the same iron into needles and gets hundreds of dollars. The watchmaker takes the same iron, manufactures mainsprings, and receives thousands of dollars. Similarly, one person uses his time and talents to advance his own earthly interests. Another takes the same opportunities, and through wisdom and the counsel of God’s word, shapes and molds his life for eternity. He refines his character so that he is worth something to the world and God. It’s entirely up to you and me whether we develop our lives into a noble accomplishment, our character into a thing of beauty, and our talents into a source of glory to God. A life without aims or purpose shows no intelligence or forethought.

What have we done with the life God has given us? How have we used our talents to the glory of God? With reference to the one-talent man, Jesus said, “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30). How will we answer God when we are asked what we have done with our talents? God has told us that He expects us to understand His will and do it. Ephesians 5:17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says, “...When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power...” Let’s ensure that we are using our talents wisely.

How to Spot a Fool

by Heath Rogers

· They hate knowledge - Prov. 1:7, 22

· They bring shame, grief, and bitterness to loved ones - Prov. 10:1; 17:25

· They make light of sin and evil - Prov. 10:23; 14:9

· They think they know everything - Prov. 12:15; 28:26

· They won’t control their tongue - Prov. 17:27-28

· They don’t want to listen; they only want to talk - Prov. 18:2

· They disappoint and frustrate those who trust them - Prov. 26:6

· They never learn from their mistakes - Prov. 26:11; 27:22

· They won’t control their temper - Prov. 29:11

“Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly” (Prov. 17:12).