I have mentioned before that I love the shows where people bring in old items and you learn the history and value of the items people have. One of my favorite shows is Pawn Star. On Pawn Stars one of the things that I love is interviews they do with people before they enter the shop. The people say how much they hope to get for their items and then they say what their bottom line will be.
One of the things I find so interesting is that people will give a number they will not go below and well over half the time they are walking out having taken the cash for less than what they said they would do. They say one thing then do another. Why do they do this?
I think part of this answer is lies in the fact that people are greedy. I think part of the answer lies in the fact that people are willing to compromise on their word. I also see that people have a tendency to think that their things are worth more than they actually are.
Think about us for a moment. How often do we say what the bottom line on things. We say that when we get to this point then we will stop doing a problematic action, or a sin, or we will start doing something. When we get to that point we do not stop or start what we say much of the time. We say we will do one thing and then do another. Why do we do this?
I think the answer lies in many areas. It is because we compromise on what we believe. We also do not think our sinful or problem areas are as bad so we make excuses to continue. I think some of it lies in the fact of a thing called pride and it keeps us from getting the help we need.
Proverbs 18:12 – Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
How do you do with a bottom line? Are you able to do what you say or do compromise for one reason or another?
So good man. We often draw lines in the sand and then slowly erase them away when things get uncomfortable.
I do well in most areas, I think. There are certain weak spots though. ..ugh…food is one
I like that analogy Mo – drawing the line and erasing – good stuff! Thanks for adding in early – very early this morning!
I do pretty well with staying where I said I would, however, I do have moments where I tire of fighting the battle. I give in and then realize too late that I did. This is a good message for me to begin my day with Jim. Thanks.
You welcome Bill. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
That verse in Proverbs is one of my favorite. I am very firm in what I believe but I try to take my stance in humility, realizing that I’ve been wrong on many occasions. That doesn’t make me weak. On the contrary, it helps me be strong in Him.
It is one of the great paradoxes – humility make us stronger. Thanks Tony.
I do okay at it. There are times when the grind of fighting it causes that line to become blurry.
I know exactly what you mean Michael – that is me too. Thanks!