Yesterday the cable guy came out and was quickly able to determine the problem and fix it. Once he was finished working his magic he had me sign the paperwork and was ready to leave. I remembered that the company said I would have to pay fifteen dollars so I asked him and he didn't think so but looked at the paperwork and sure enough it said I needed to pay. I had the cash on me and didn't want to write a check as I knew there wasn't money in that account and we do not have credit cards. I assumed, my mistake, that he would write me a receipt. Nope. He, in small print, marked "pd" on the paperwork. I wasn't too worried about it because I try to believe that everyone is honest. Uh-hum.
Today I decided to call the cable company and make sure they knew I did pay. Of course they didn't. No record of it. Thankfully they believed me and they are not going to charge me the fifteen dollars again.
But friends, I was so upset after talking to the company. The cable guy didn't know I had to pay. He didn't ask me for the money. He was halfway out the door without any mention of it! Why oh why did I have to be honest! I could have kept my mouth shut and either not be charged the amount or the cable company would have just added it to my bill for later.
Well Satan likes when we are in this position. He starts to whisper, "Why be honest? It gets you nowhere. People take advantage of the honest. Just get away with what you can." So for a brief moment there I was ready to quit being honest!
But what does the Word say:
“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.' 1 Kings 9:4-5
I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in Your presence forever. Psalm 41:11-12
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understand. He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-8
These are just three of many, many verses on honesty and integrity in the Word of God. God wants us to be honest in ALL situations no matter what. Even when it seems that the honesty will not pay off, be honest because it does pay off. God blesses those whose walk is blameless! Even when it seems that being untruthful will hurt, being honest is always the way to go. God desires honesty and is pleased when we are honest. Even in those little bitty situations.
Honor God by walking in honesty and integrity.
Sweet Blessings~
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Great reminder and conviction, Jenifer. We've been programmed to believe that the little lies are harmless. But a lie is a lie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Eileen, A Lie is a lie no matter how small. Some people would call it legalism I consider heeding to the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the serpent and Eve in the garden.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging Thoughts for Life
This past weekend, my hubby and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up various items. One of those items was some 'touch-up' paint for his truck. We got it and all of the other items needed. As we got to the check out, we unloaded our 'haul' onto the belt. We chatted with the checkout girl, paid our bill and headed out. Once we got home and unloaded our stuff we realized that the paint was not there. We checked the receipt...nope, we weren't charged for it. Ok, no biggie. We'll just have to get some paint somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteWell, I got into my purse to put something away and viola! Imagine my horror when I found a little container of touch up paint. I told my hubby that we had to go to Wal-Mart and take it back. But, there was a little part of me that said..."Who cares? It's not like we stole it on purpose."
Well, we did take it back. I went to the service desk and told them that I had accidentally stolen it on Saturday. They looked at me like I was nuts. They nervously laughed as they prepared to 'give me a refund' for it. I told them that I did not need a refund as I hadn't paid for it.
These people at the service desk had no idea what to do. I'm telling you, I felt so relieved at having returned the paint. I certainly did not want to keep it.
Sorry this is long, but I know how easy it is to want to 'stop being honest.' I was there just the other day. However, that's not what God would have wanted of me or of you! I thank Him for His ever presence in my life reminding me of the 'right' thing to do!
God sees in secret and rewards us openly. Your situation has happened to me many times, but I can go on with a clear conscience and that's what matters.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cindy