Whatever we're doing, we must always practise this: honesty. We mustn’t cheat, lie, or steal, even if we’re never going to be caught. ‘Ill-gotten gains do not profit.’ We might get away with dishonesty, but we won’t benefit from it. ‘Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles’ (Proverbs 13:11 NASB 1995 Edition). We can’t do the wrong thing and finish up with the right result. Not only will we have trouble, we'll also bring trouble on those who love us, trust us, and rely on us: ‘Try to make a profit dishonestly, and you get your family in trouble’ (Proverbs 15:27 GNB). Dishonesty could cause us to lose a job, damage our reputation, be humiliated, face costs and consequences, and end up in shame; plus, God will disapprove. Is it really worth the risk?

A survey of American workers revealed that 40 per cent of them admitted to stealing on the job, and 25 per cent of them felt justified in doing so. They rationalised it to themselves by saying things like: ‘Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I…The boss can afford it, they won’t miss it…It’s only small stuff, it won’t make any difference…The company owes me, and I’m just taking what’s mine…I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.’

What does God have to say about this? ‘The wicked earns deceptive wages’ (Proverbs 11:18 NASB 1995 Edition). When someone intentionally deceives people, the Bible says they are ‘wicked’. But followers of Christ should be trustworthy, honest, diligent, fair, and provide quality service. Whatever task we're doing, let's make sure we really reflect Him today through our attitude, care, and attention to detail.

What Now?

Take time to talk to God about any moments of dishonesty, big or small, that you’re feeling guilty about. Ask Him to help you always chose the path of honesty and integrity, even when it’s the harder route.