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With Honesty, November 22
I Too May Conquer
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the
sight of all men.
Romans 12:17
In every business transaction a Christian will be just what he wants
his brethren to think he is. His course of action is guided by underlying
principles. He does not scheme; therefore he has nothing to conceal,
nothing to gloss over. He may be criticized, he may be tested, but his
unbending integrity will shine forth like pure gold. He is a blessing to
all connected with him, for his word is trustworthy. He is a man who
will not take an advantage of his neighbor. He is a friend and benefactor
to all, and his fellow men put confidence in his counsel.... A truly honest
man will never take advantage of weakness or incompetency in order to
fill his own purse. He accepts a fair equivalent for that which he sells. If
there are defects in the articles sold, he frankly tells his brother or his
neighbor, although by so doing he may work against his own pecuniary
interests.
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 deal may appear
as a small thing in the estimation of some, but our Saviour did not thus
regard it....
A man may not have a pleasant exterior, he may be deficient in many
respects, but if he has a reputation for straightforward honesty, he will
be respected.... A man who steadfastly adheres to truth will win the
confidence of all. Not only will his brethren in the faith trust him, but
unbelievers will be constrained to acknowledge him as a man of honor.
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