Right dealings

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight. – Proverbs 11v1

Many years ago we had a missions intern, or a guy on a mission trip, or something like that. He seemed to enjoy the work, was blessed by being here, and was an asset to the work while he was here. It would have seemed that this was a real, dedicated man of godly character.

One day he received a phone call. A hurricane or tropical storm had hit his part of the US. He was in the roofing business and his partner called to tell him that people were paying 3-4 times the normal amount to have roofs done and he needed to get back to take advantage of this great opportunity. It wasn’t the fact that there were people who needed new roofs, but that they could charge a fortune. He immediately had his ticket changed and flew out that day! He wasn’t even bashful about his motivation – here was a chance to make a quick buck.

Another time there was a group of American pastors and missionaries visiting on a mission trip for a prospective missionary. As we sat over a cup of tea they had their PDAs our talking about how they had found a way to steal and share software for their devices. They were almost giddy with excitement.

This is not uncommon. In fact, I think business dishonesty is rampant among God’s people. If we can get something free, and have no chance of getting caught, it must be okay. Many churches, Christian schools, pastors, and missionaries have no problem stealing software or music as long as it is for ‘God’s work.’

How does God feel about such dishonest dealings? Dishonest scales are an abomination, but God delight in just weights. We have no problem preaching against other things that are called abomination, but this one seems to escape our scrutiny.

Yes, I feel strongly about this. God’s people should be the most honest of all. No one should doubt our integrity. I know people who will not deal with Christian run businesses because of rotten business practices. What does this do to the cause of Christ? People don’t want to get saved if all they are doing is joining a den of thieves.

Our business dealing and practices are at least as important as the rest of our faith walk. Do we treat them as such? Far too many are more concerned about how Christians dress they how honest they are in their business practices.

How can we justify that?