Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit serving the Lord.
Read also Romans 12:9-21.
I had a friend who foreclosed on a man who owed close to a quarter of a million dollars on his opulent home because he was six months behind in his payments. Just to tease the lender a little, I said, “How could you foreclose on a Christian?” He looked at me for a moment, then said earnestly, “This man went against the advice of his friends when he took on something far too steep for him, and he has been spending money on other things instead of meeting his obligations. His Christianity is in need of repair.”
Whether or not you agree with this man’s action, you surely can see that you must draw the line somewhere and that line will probably be drawn at the point where someone asks for extra consideration because he or she professes faith in Christ. Ask God to give you compassion; then use it. But Christian compassion and softheadedness are never synonymous. You will be a better witness if people know you will always try to be honest and fair than if you are swayed by sentimental considerations.
Jesus also taught that there is a connection between a believer’s good works, shining like a light in a dark place, and the observer’s response, to glorify the Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16)
Small thought here. If you make a promise, keep it. If you make a commitment, honor it, even at cost to yourself or the company. True, the world is full of businessmen who operate unscrupulously and get away with it. But, as a child of the King of kings, why lower yourself to the standards of those who will spend eternity separated from our blessed Lord?
This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages at www.walkwiththeking.org. Used with written permission.
