Human Relations
55
In the Christian world today fraud is practiced to a fearful extent.
God’s commandment-keeping people should show that they are above
all these things. The dishonest practices which mar the dealing of man
with his fellowman should never be practiced by one who professes to
be a believer in present truth. God’s people do great harm to the truth
by the least departure from integrity.
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. Stern integrity covers many objectionable traits
of character. 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.—Lt 3, 1878.
Unbending Integrity Like Pure Gold—The servants of God are
obliged to be more or less connected with the worldly by business
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transactions, but they should buy and sell with a realization that the
eye of God is upon them. No false balances or deceitful weights are to
be used, for these are an abomination to the Lord. 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
advantage of his neighbor. He is a friend and benefactor to all, and his
fellowmen put confidence in his counsel. Does he employ laborers to
gather in his harvest? Their hard-earned money is not kept back by
fraud. Has he money for which he has no immediate use? He relieves
the necessities of his less fortunate brother. He does not seek to add to
his own land or to fill his pocket by taking advantage of the distressing
circumstances in which his neighbor is placed. His object is to help
and bless his neighbor.
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.—Lt 3, 1878.