How many times have you find yourself on the other side of someone trying to sell you something or to join this "pyramid" scheme and that they say, "you too, can make a lot of money..." Sometimes you find yourself politely saying, "no, thank you," or "that is not for me..." but rarely do we catch ourself ever saying to that person, whether a shady salesman or a "friend' who is trying to lure you into the same trap that they are already stuck in and that the only way they can make money is by getting people lower on the pyramid besides themself; what you would like to say to them is this, "so you are selling this, but you really don't believe this. You sound good and you know the product that you are trying to get me to take ownership in, but you really don't believe it..." Wouldn't that be nice to be able to really just unload that onto that "friend or salesman" if you had the courage. Let's take it another way, let's take this "Salesman act to our Christian Walks. When we go out into the world and try to disciple others, are we guilty of the pyramid scheme. Are we trying to sell something that are actions or behavior would not justify. Let's take a look at Galations Chapter 5: 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
So here is the bottom line: How can we expect to be the salt and light of the world if we are not allowing ourselves to edify the Spirit which lives in both you and I. If we are truly sons of God through the inheritance of Jesus Christ, then what do we have to do in order to let go of that which condemns us: The "fruit" of the sinful nature.
At this time, take a deep look at yourself in the mirror and ask your wife and/or accountability parnter where do you measure up to in the Fruit of the Spirit. Are you showing more fruit of the sinful nature, and if the answer is yes, then what do you plan on doing to put to an end to our old selves: The Death of our old Saleman?