HOW HONEST ARE YOU?

Proverbs 28:9 (LB) says, "God doesn't listen to the prayers of men who flout the law."

I was late for an appointment one Saturday night years ago when the traffic light turned red -- well, amber, actually. Revving the engine, I tore through the disapproving signal, telling myself it was only a "pink" light. Now you and I both know there is no such thing as a "pink" traffic light! Suddenly I thought of the next day's Sunday School lesson: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10 KJV). Although no one saw me, I backed up my car on the deserted street and waited for the offensive light to blaze forth its welcoming green. My Sunday School class and I both had a good laugh when I illustrated the lesson the following morning with the embarrassing incident.

How easy it is to pass over seemingly small incidents with the frivolous excuse, "It's too trivial to matter." A pen or pencil taken from the office without permission. A personal letter run through the office postage meter. A postage stamp; envelopes; stationery; rubber bands; paper clips. Small items, true, but nonetheless it's pilferage.

A Bible Study leader once handed out fifty or sixty xeroxed copies of material to our group explaining, "This is my boss' contribution to the Lord's work even though he doesn't know it. It's time he gives something to the church. After all, he can afford it."

Another Christian acquaintance lost a well-paying position when, after repeated warnings, he continued reading his Bible and witnessing to co-workers during the time he was paid to work. I'm sure he never looked upon his actions as thievery -- but that's what it was, thievery of company time!

No wonder many employers, including Christians, are reluctant to hire other Christians as employees. It's so easy for a Christian employee to take advantage of a Christian boss with the excuse, "He's a Christian, too; he'll understand."

Luke 16:10 (LB) states, "For unless you are honest in small matters, you won't be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."

How honest are you?

Preacher's Kid