HONESTY PAYS

HONESTY PAYS

 Sometimes we are tempted to compare ourselves with the progress and advances of others, some of whom might have opted for sinful shortcuts to arrive at the top.  This somewhat self-absorbed thought process is a sure path to discouragement and disenchantment.  Since the mind is the arena of spiritual warfare, Satan seeks to strategically plant such tormenting thoughts within any person who does not diligently “watch and pray.” (Mark 14:38) However, Christ calls believers to a higher order of thinking, which avoids overly competitive spirits and anxiety-stricken hearts.  Prayerfully ponder the words of David:

 Psalm 37:1-4 (NKJV)

Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.  Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

 Bottom-line: A life of integrity and honesty eventually produces and sustains quality fruit.   So, don’t obsess over current circumstances; keep your eyes focused on THE MASTER.  Do HIS will.  Integrity is its own reward, and HONESTY INVARIABLY PAYS.

 A general manager in India wanted to test his people concerning their values of life.  In everyone’s seminar folder there was a plastic pouch containing one small seed.  After they returned to their homes, they were to plant the seed in a pot with good soil and look after it faithfully.  The manager promised to hold a competition in the following year and the person with the best plant would be generously rewarded.

Everyone was eager to participate, and the year passed by quickly.  The subsequent seminar was held in a huge hall, and there was quite a scene, with hundreds of pots and a great variety of plants, all except for one person.  In his pot was soil, but no plant.  The owner of that pot sat quietly, apparently ashamed of himself.

The general manager summoned him to the stage.  He asked what happened and the man responded with the truth.  He planted the seed as instructed and did his absolute best to nurture it, but nothing happened.

The general manager declared that man to be the winner!

Everyone was totally shocked.  The manager announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the seeds I gave you were boiled seeds.  You planted them, and nothing at all happened.  Most of you chose to act unwisely and deceptively, using other seeds.  This man was completely honest.  Therefore, he did not cheat me or himself.  He wins the prize!” 

 My friend, before you conclude that the individual who “brings wicked devises to pass” is a blessed person, consider GOD’S description and prescription for being blessed. (Psalm 37:7)

 Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

 When we do things God’s way, we win.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!