Righteousness is profitable

In this day and age, corruption is rife. Many people and leaders are so outspoken against it in public, yet behind closed doors, in the private passages of management and government, many a blind eye is turned.

The exposé’s and the courts are proof of so-called incorruptible people being caught in the act.

Pro 10:16 The labor of the righteous tends to life; the fruit of the wicked tends to sin. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life; but he who refuses reproof goes astray.

Mat 5:34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all! Not by Heaven, because it is God's throne; 35 not by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King; 36 nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your word be, Yes, yes; No, no. For whatever is more than these comes from evil.

But let your word be, Yes, yes; No, no. For whatever is more than these comes from evil.

Lines are everywhere! There are lines in parking lots to designate the parking spaces. There are lines drawn at intersections so that pedestrians know where to cross the street. There are little, but important, lines drawn on rulers to show units of measure. There are lines drawn on sports fields to help the players and referees know if the balls, and players, are in or out.

Lines can be very important. They help us know where we stand. We are either on one side of the line or the other.

Exodus 32 tells us that Moses drew a line. Here's why: God's people had participated in a drunken party and had worshiped a golden calf. Drunken idolaters! Moses knew that God demands that people love, obey and worship only Him. In a very courageous move, Moses stepped in front of all those people and drew a line by saying, "Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come to me...." (Exo_32:26). That day, many crossed the line by standing with Moses and the Lord.

Jesus, too, drew a line when He called those from the multitude to follow Him. Jesus' words make a very clear line: either you are for Christ or you are against Him. That same line exists today. We must decide on which side of that line we will stand.

Many choose to stand on both sides of the line. And for those individuals Jesus replies Rev 3:15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

There is no middle ground with the Lord. In fact, for those who try, it makes Him sick to His stomach. Take a stand on God's side.

To start communicating with integrity do the following:

Everything you say should be true. Do not be tempted to lie about anything. If you are found out people will lose their respect and trust in you.
Do not gossip or repeat anything you hear. Change the subject subtly when someone starts to gossip.
Clarify and confirm what the other person is saying before jumping to conclusions. Only respond to feedback once you are certain that you know and understand what was said.
Stick to the subject at hand. Don’t use a previously bad situation as a weapon in order to gain the upper hand in a conversation, meeting or feedback session.
Never curse or swear. It is unprofessional and you will lose the respect of others.
Do not disconnect a telephone call when you feel upset or angry. It is unprofessional to slam down the phone.Stay calm and watch your intention when you speak. Decide to resolve the issue amicably and with respect. If you find it impossible to discuss the issue on the phone, make arrangements to meet. By the time you are face-to-face you would be much calmer and able to resolve your issues.
Say “please”, “thank you” and “I am sorry” when necessary.
Do not make decisions about a person based on ‘hear-say’ or reports from others. Speak to the person direct and hear their side.

Pro 10:27 The fear of Jehovah prolongs days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous is gladness; but the hope of the wicked shall perish. 29 The way of Jehovah is strength to the upright; but ruin is to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be moved; and the wicked shall not live in the earth. 31 The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom; but the perverse tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing; but the mouth of the wicked what is contrary.

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. 8 For he sowing to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But he sowing to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from the Spirit. 9 But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint.