May 11, 2014
He said to them, "You are those who justify
yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized
by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15, NRSV.
In all the details of life the strictest
principles of honesty are to be maintained. These are not the principles which
govern our world, for Satan - deceiver, liar, and oppressor - is the master,
and his subjects follow him and carry out his purposes. But Christians serve
under a different Master, and their actions must be wrought in God,
irrespective of all selfish gain.
Deviation from perfect fairness in business
deals may appear as a small thing in the estimation of some, but our Savior did
not thus regard it. His words on this point are plain and explicit: "He
that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke
16:10). People who will overreach their neighbors on a small scale will
overreach in a larger scale if the temptation is brought to bear upon them. A
false representation in a small matter is as much dishonesty in the sight of
God as falsity in a larger matter.
In the Christian world today fraud is practiced
to a fearful extent. God’s commandment-keeping people should show that they are
above all these things. The dishonest practices which mar the dealing of men
and women with their fellow human beings should never be practiced by one who
professes to be a believer in present truth. God’s people do great harm to the
truth by the least departure from integrity.
Some persons may not have a pleasant exterior,
they may be deficient in many respects, but if they have a reputation for
straightforward honesty, they will be respected. Stern integrity covers many
objectionable traits of character. Those who steadfastly adhere to truth will
win the confidence of all. Not only will fellow believers in the faith trust
them, but unbelievers will be constrained to acknowledge them as persons of
honor. - Mind, Character, and Personality 2:437.
The servants of God are obliged to be more or
less connected with the worldly by business transactions, but they should buy
and sell with a realization that the eye of God is upon them. No false balances
or deceitful weights are to be used, for these are an abomination to the Lord.
In every business transaction Christians will be just what they want their
church friends to think they are. Their course of action is guided by
underlying principles. They do not scheme; therefore they have nothing to
conceal, nothing to gloss over. - Mind, Character, and Personality 2:437, 438.
From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p.
183.