Don't Sell Out! 

by Curtis Pope

In 1st Kings 21 we find Ahab and Jezebel ready to jump on the opportunity to purchase Naboth's vineyard. Ahab attempted to buy and barter his way into possession of Naboth's cherished family property, but Naboth declined to sale. After Jezebel noticed the pouting and complaining of her husband, she had Naboth taken out of the picture through a plot of deception, corruption, and murder. Now Ahab got what he wanted, a beautiful vineyard right next to his palace, and he didn't even have to pay for it … or did he?

Many would say Ahab got a great deal, but this is not how the scriptures record it. "Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him." (1 Kings 21:25)

In gaining Naboth's vineyard Ahab spent more than he even realized; he had clearly sold himself to evil. Today we are each faced with decisions like Ahab's. What does Satan use to draw us away from serving the Everlasting God? He may use possessions or something entirely different, but in the end is it really a good deal?

In Mark 8:36 Jesus reminds his followers never to sell out: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" He reminds us that to give in to Satan is to forfeit our eternal souls for temporary pleasures. Don't let Satan fool you into thinking he has a good deal. Don't sell out for so little! Place your trust, your hope, and your very soul in the hands of our loving Father in heaven who has promised and proven that He will richly reward His servants.

 

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