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Luke 9:26 - Integrity vs. Popularity.

Luke 9:26 (NIV) Whoever is ashamed of me and 
my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of 
them when he comes in his glory and in the glory 
of the Father and of the holy angels.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   One day youll give an account of your 
life before God. This fact is the best antidote 
to people-pleasing that I know.  
   When you have that kind of long-term 
thinking - when you keep in mind that youll one 
day stand before God - it changes you. It 
changes what you say, what you do, and who you try 
to impress. Its the people-pleaser 
antidote. 
   When you take that long look, and realize 
youre going to give an account for every word and 
action from each day, youll ask yourself, 
Which is more important - Gods approval or the 
approval of people around me?  
   Ive found myself having to ask that 
question many times. During TV broadcasts, 
interviewers ask me tough questions. They try to put me 
on the spot, sometimes hoping to make me look 
like a bigot or fool. They try to get me to 
distance myself from what the Bible says.  
   When Im in those interviews, my human 
nature wants to be liked, just like yours does. My 
human nature wants to compromise, divert, punt, 
and leave out the truth. Its tempting to say 
things like, I just leave that up to God or 
Everybody has to make up their own mind. But those 
are people-pleasing cop-outs.  
   In those moments - when you could say 
something that wouldnt offend but would be a lie - 
there are three things you can do. 
   First, remember what Jesus Christ did for 
you on the cross. He didnt deny you. He 
didnt back away from you. He died for your sins. 
Your life belongs to him. He created you. He 
saved you. He forgave you. Hes taking you to 
heaven. Why would you deny him? 
   Second, remember that one day youre 
going to give an account to God. God will ask you, 
What did you say in that conversation at work? 
What did you say to your friend at school? What 
did you say during a family dinner? Integrity 
is more important than popularity. And you 
dont want to give up your integrity. 
   Finally, tell the truth, no matter the 
consequences. 
   As you walk in faith with Jesus, practice 
doing these three things. Theyre the guides you 
need to live with integrity - not for popularity. 
[Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC

Matthew 10:32, 33 - The Secret of Witnessing 
for Christ. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060120-1046.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Steps to Peace by Billy Graham: 
https://stepstopeace.org/ 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The 
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible 

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657