Two pats of butter

Putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor."– Ephesians 4:25

Honesty must be woven into the fabric of our character if we are to have an effective testimony for Christ. Even the secular world recognizes the importance of integrity.

A promising young man applied for a job at a bank. He was one of several applicants, but the president was especially impressed by his credentials. Before hiring him, the president invited the man to lunch with several of the bank executives.

As the group went through the cafeteria line, the young man put two pats of butter on his tray and slipped them beneath the outer rim of his place so the cashier wouldn’t see them. The company president, who was right behind him, observed his actions. If this fellow would be dishonest with two pats of butter, he thought, how could he be trusted at a teller’s window? Right there the president decided not to hire him. Deception takes many forms, whether an outright verbal lie, or the cover-up of two pats of butter, which in this case amounted to stealing.

An 11-year-old boy who reads Our Daily Bread wrote, "I am the sort of kid who can’t lie or I get tingly feelings in my stomach." Oh, that we all were that sensitive! Lord, make us people of unquestioned honesty and integrity in all things – whether large or small. – Dennis De Haan

Lord, help me to be honest

In all I do and say;

God, grant me grace and power

To live for You today – Fitzhugh

READ: Zechariah 8:14-17

A person of integrity has nothing to hide.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 28-29

• Philippians 3