Christ would not be bought. Jesus would not abandon His purpose to establish a kingdom of righteousness. How about you? Would you abandon the opportunity to be part of that kingdom and to turn others also from that opportunity? Oh, if we could only comprehend the full meaning of the following statements:
“To men he [Satan] offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they
- sacrifice integrity [give up their uprightness of character],
- disregard conscience [overlook that which distinguishes between right and wrong],
- indulge selfishness [yield to their own selfish interests].
“Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says:
- Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Hearken to my counsel. Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice. I will prepare the way before you.
- Thus multitudes are deceived. …” The Desire of Ages, 130. [Emphasis supplied.]
Now is no time to “sacrifice integrity,” “disregard conscience,” or to “indulge selfishness.”
Whose side are you on? Are you a soldier of Jesus Christ or are you a traitor?
“One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust, as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe, and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried out with a loud voice: ‘Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:17). Let all who will, come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty’ (Judges 5:23).
“The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, ‘as when a standard-bearer fainteth’ (Isaiah 10:18). But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle, and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.
“At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’ (Revelation 14:12), was gloriously triumphant. …” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 228, 229.
Father: Give me the courage and the strength to serve under the blood-stained banner of the Lord’s army and never to allow His standard to trail in the dust of this world or to join the foe. Give me strength to never sacrifice integrity, to never disregard conscience or to indulge selfishness. May I always give glory to Thee. Amen.