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Everyone's Doing It


“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  Romans 14:12
A few days ago I got a new cell phone.  I did my homework, and since they did not sell one that I wanted in store; I ordered it online.  As I was waiting to pick it up on Saturday, I noticed that there was a sign that said the store was offering a fifty dollar gift card when you bought a smartphone.  I thought, wow that would be so awesome to get a gift card.  I asked about the gift card and was informed that I had to have gotten the phone that day.  The lady said I could return the phone I bought and then rebuy it so I could get the discount.  I was extremely tempted because I really could have used the gift card.  After I had thought about it; I decided that, for me, it would be wrong to do that since I had bought it earlier and returning it and buying it back just to get the gift card seemed deceptive. I was told that everyone does that. That was the kiss of death; I have to look at myself in the mirror.  It doesn’t truly matter what other people are doing.  I am accountable for what I do.  God says I have to answer to him for the things I have done.  When I actually begin to realize that I answer for myself and no one else; it can be terribly freeing and empowering as a Christian.   It frees me from worrying about other’s opinion on a topic because, at the end of time, their evaluation of my actions will not matter.  God’s opinion will matter immensely. It also gives me the power to hold on to my convictions because I alone answer to God.  There will not be anyone else to defend my actions.  Friends hold to what you know is right and don’t let public opinion suck you into compromising your values. Remember you have to look yourself in the mirror every day. Live in such a way you can hold your head high knowing you have a clear conscience.
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