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Counsels for the Church
is involved. But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of
millions or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property by
false representations are bringing condemnation on their souls. All that
is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver
He [one who utters falsehood or practices deception] loses his
own self-respect. He may not be conscious that God sees him and
is acquainted with every business transaction, that holy angels are
weighing his motives and listening to his words, and that his reward
will be according to his works; but if it were possible to conceal
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his wrongdoing from human and divine inspection, the fact that he
himself knows it, is degrading to his mind and character. One act
does not determine the character, but it breaks down the barrier, and
the next temptation is more readily entertained, until finally a habit
of prevarication and dishonesty in business is formed, and the man
cannot be trusted
God wants men in His service, under His banner, to be strictly
honest, unimpeachable in character, that their tongues shall not utter
a semblance of untruth. The tongue must be true, the eyes must be
true, the actions wholly and entirely such as God can commend. We
are living in the sight of a holy God, who solemnly declares, “I know
thy works.” The divine eye is ever upon us. We cannot cover one act
of unjust deal from God. The witness of God to our every action is a
truth which but few realize
The Believer—A Better Man in Business
An honest man, according to Christ’s measurement, is one who will
manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful weights and false balances,
with which many seek to advance their interests in the world, are
abomination in the sight of God. Yet many who profess to keep
the commandments of God are dealing with false weights and false
balances. When a man is indeed connected with God, and is keeping
His law in truth, his life will reveal the fact; for all his actions will be
in harmony with the teachings of Christ. He will not sell his honor for
gain. His principles are built upon the sure foundation, and his conduct
96
Testimonies for the Church 4:311
97
Testimonies for the Church 5:396
98
Child Guidance, 152