Psalms 112:4-10 NLT
Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
TRUTH
I work in the world of Information Technology, and since technology these days is so closely to businesses’ financial goals, I get to see all kinds of wicked and evil choices that are made to improve profits at the expense of integrity, honor, legality, and justice.
For example, it is quite easy for businesses to decide to not pay for the appropriate software licensing or to reuse the same licenses over and over again. And with some it has been commonplace and accepted that they do this to reduce their costs because the risk of getting caught is not as expensive as the cost of doing what is right.
And when obtaining trainings and certifications as a measure of one’s mastery of a subject, it has become commonplace to cheat in a wide variety of ways to “just pass the test” instead of learning and mastering the subject matter through adequate training and experience.
You see, man wants the easy way out – the quick road to riches.
And yes, when I stand my ground on matters of integrity that I am not willing tocompromise in front of a customer, my employer, or a colleague – I see their anger and frustration with my getting in the way of their plans. And initially, they might see me simply as a foolish obstacle that they must work around, and if I’m part of an organization that is not trustworthy and does not value integrity any more than a buzzword to sell to potential customers, it will probably affect my opportunities for advancement.
HOPE
But you see, I don’t get my Hope and my security by hanging on my the whims of those in authority about whether or not I will get that raise, or if I’ll ever have the opportunity for advancement. You see, I am not a slave to their whims, because I can find my hope and my security in the Lord.
FAITH
And when I trust in the Lord even in the face of opposition, when I stand my ground and will not be swayed to be complicit in actions illegal or immoral – it becomes clear that I am a leader in my actions and my resolve – and that no man of flesh and blood can in authority over my life if he is in opposition to what is just and honorable.
LOVE
And yes, battle lines will be drawn, but once the victory is clear, once their eyes are open to the fact that we can do business with integrity and honor, and that we will be blessed in so many ways for righting the direction of our ship, they will understand that it is done in Love, not in insubordination or rebellion or in opposition to their financial goals.
Many times a thief keeps stealing because that is all he knows that works to earn him money. Sometimes he doesn’t realize that it is actually easier and more trustworthy and reliable to earn and honest living.
These are the lessons. This is the light that is brought into the world, that God’s way really is best for us. He really does know what He’s talking about.
But when surrounded by those whose eyes are closed, we will face opposition and battle lines will be drawn at times. If that is not happening in our lives and we call ourselves a follower of Christ we must ask ourselves if we have Christ, if He is alive in us, if we are being the salt and the light to others. We are to be loving and forgiving, but we are not to stand idly by while this world around us falls deeper into its hellish ways.
Are you doing battle?
Are you standing firm?
Lean in to Him – He has more strength than you can imagine, and He is faithful. See what blessings He has in store for you and others in a renewed life of integrity, honor, fairness, and justice.
PRAISE
ADDITIONAL READING
http://www.openbible.info/topics/standing_up
2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Psalm 1:1 ESV
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
James 5:11 ESV
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Ezekiel 2:1 ESV
And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
Harold J. Ballinger 