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A life of unyielding integrity wins the
respect of Christian and worldling alike.
In all
details of life, Christians are to follow the
principles of integrity. These are not the
principles that govern the world; for there Satan
is master, and his principles of deception and
oppression bear sway. But Christians serve under
a different master, and their actions must be
wrought in God. They must put aside all desire
for selfish gain.
To
some, deviation from perfect fairness in business
deal may look like a small thing, but our Savior
does 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 with much;
and he that is unjust in the least is also unjust
also in much.” A man who will overreach in a
small matter will overreach in a large matter if
the temptation comes to him.
Christ’s
followers are obliged to be more or less
connected with the world in business matters. In
His prayer for them the Savior says, “I pray
not that thou shouldst take them out of the world,
but that shouldst keep them from evil.”
Christians are to buy and sell with the
realization that the eye of God is upon them.
Never are they to use false balances or deceitful
weights. God says: “Thou shalt not have in
thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.
… But thou shalt have a perfect and just
weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou
have; that thy days may be lengthened in the land
which the Lord they God giveth thee. For all that
do such things, and all that do unrighteously,
are abomination unto the Lord thy God.”
“Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant
that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy
brethren, or of they strangers that are in they
land within they gates; at his day thou shalt
give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down
upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart
upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord,
and it be sin unto thee…. Thou shalt not
pervert the judgment of the stranger nor of the
fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to
pledge… When thou cutest down thine harvest
in they field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the
field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it; it
shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless,
and for the widow; that the Lord thy God may
bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When
thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go
over the boughs again; it shall be for the
stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
When thou gatherest the grapes of the vineyard,
thou shalt not glean it afterward; for it shall
be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for
the widow.”
In
the smallest as well as the largest affairs of
life the first question should be, “What is
God’s will?”
In
every action of life the true Christian is just
what he desires those around him to think he is.
He is guided by truth and uprightness. He does
not scheme; therefore he has nothing to gloss
over. He may be criticized, he may be tested; but
through all, his unbending integrity shines out
like pure gold. He is a friend and benefactor to
all connected with him; and his fellowmen place
confidence in him, for he is trustworthy. Does he
employ laborers to gather in his harvest? He does
not keep back their hard-earned money. Has he
means for which he has no immediate use? He
relieves the necessities of his less fortunate
brother. He does not seek to enlarge his
possessions by taking advantage of the untoward
circumstances of his neighbor. He accepts only a
fair price for that which he sells. If there are
defeats in the articles sold, he frankly tells
the buyer, even tho by so doing he may seem to
work against his own pecuniary interests.
A
man may not have a pleasant exterior; but if he
has a reputation for straightforward, honest
dealing, he is respected. Stern integrity covers
many unpleasant traits of character. A man who
steadfastly adheres to the truth wins the
confidence of all. Not only do Christians trust
him; worldlings are constrained to acknowledge
the worth of his character.
Satan
knows full well what a power for good is the life
of a man of unbending integrity, and he puts
forth zealous efforts to prevent men from living
such lives. He comes to them with alluring
temptations, promising them wealth, position,
worldly honor, if they will but yield the
principles of righteousness. And he has such
success. Thousands yield to his bribery. The
desire for wealth, for fame, for position, to too
powerful for them to resist. Forgetting God, they
withdraw their affection from Him, and worship
mammon.
From
the sad history of many who have failed we learn
the danger of prosperity. It is not those who
have lost their property who are in the greatest
danger, but those who have obtained a fortune.
Adversity may depress, but prosperity frequently
elevates to presumption. Prayer is often required
for men and women in affliction; and this is
right. But those in prosperity are more in need
of the prayers of God’s servants; for they
are in greater danger of losing salvation. In the
valley of humiliation men walk securely while
they reverence God and make Him their trust. On
the lofty pinnacle, where praise is heard, they
need the help of special power from above.
True
Religion…is an actual imitation of Christ.
Seeing
the fearful danger of love of gain, Paul writes:
“They that will be rich fall into temptation
and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful
lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. For the love of money is the root of
all-evil; which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God,
flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
…Charge them that are rich in this world,
that they be not high-minded, nor trust in
uncertain riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they
do good, that they be rich in good works, ready
to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up
in store for themselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold on
eternal life.”
The
temptation comes to a man to pursue a wrong
course for the sake of gaining money. He yields,
and commits himself to that which the Lords
cannot indorse. And daily the spiritual life of
that man grows weaker. Daily he wanders farther
from true happiness.
The
sad story of Judas is a lesson for all, Judas was
blessed with wonderful opportunities. He was with
Christ during the entire period of the Savior’s
ministry. Day by day for three years he listened
to His instruction and witnessed His marvelous
works. Had he been willing to renounce all
selfishness, the Lord would have used him to
advance His kingdom. But Judas loved gain. He was
a speculator. He though he could manage the
fiancés of the church, and so make money.
Stronger and stronger grew his covetousness, till
at last he sold his Master for thirty pieces of
silver.
How
many today are like Judas betraying their Lord!
How many are sacrificing principle for the sake
of worldly gain! Thus they crucify Christ afresh,
and put Him to open shame.
Those
in prosperity are…in greater danger of
losing salvation.
In the smallest as well as the
largest affairs of life the first question should
be, “What is God’s will?” “To
obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams.” Christ calls upon His
children to rid themselves of all selfishness,
all covetousness, and all impurity. “Come
unto Me,” He says, “and I will give you
rest.” Yield yourselves to My training,
Submit your will to My will, your way to My way.
Let your life be one with My life. So shall you
gain treasure that will endure unto life eternal.
True religion is not an
experiment. It is an actual imitation of Christ.
God keeps a personal account with every man,
testing him by the practical results of his work.
Soon will be heard the call, “Give an
account of thy stewardship.”
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