Being honest isn't easy or convenient.
I had purchased a new
pickup, and the payments were stretching my budget. After making one
payment, I discovered twenty dollars more than I should have had. I
tried to justify the extra but could only conclude the teller had given
me too much change. I returned it. She was thankful, and my honesty was
put on display.
Then there was the higher priced briefcase I
thought would serve me better. When the cashier scanned it, it rang up
for a lower priced briefcase. My conscience bothered me before I got to
the car. I returned and explained the matter. Although they didn't make
me pay the difference, neither did they thank me for my honesty.
And then came the swimming pool. The small one I purchased for the kids
to splash around in. After unloading them at the house, I discovered I
had picked up two. Back to the retailer. I felt better, but once again I
didn't get a thank you for my honesty.
Honesty isn't always easy
or convenient, but the psalmist-and God, praises those who are.
When I'm honest, I represent God's character. God's Word is filled with
promises, some conditional and others unconditional. God was honest when
He gave the promises, and He will fulfill both types.
Honesty is
not just a good policy; it is the best policy. God doesn't say He
prefers I be honest. He expects it of me-although I have the free will
to be dishonest if I choose.
Honesty is important when estimating
myself. I should not think more of myself than I need to (pride), but
neither should I think less of myself than God says of me (humility). I
am God's masterpiece in the making.
I should be honest in my
business dealings. Doing so makes the chances good that those who do
business with me will return for more.
When I'm honest, I won't
necessarily receive flattery from others. Those I returned the briefcase
and swimming pool to appeared to care less that I was honest. But
honesty is better than flattery.
Acts of honesty please God and
point others to Him. Honesty causes my light to shine so others can see
my good works and be drawn to the Father in heaven.
Let honesty
be the policy you live by.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
