When pecuniary gain is involved, one act of dishonesty is not thought to be so sinful. But those who secure property by false representation bring condemnation on themselves. And the Bible always tells the same story. With it sin is always sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the streets. Better a life of deepest poverty crowned with God's blessings, than all the world's treasure without it. We may be very rich; but unless we have the consciousness that God honors us, we are poor indeed.
Men may claim to be true servants of God, but if they swerve from the path of uprightness, deformity and impurity still exist in their character. They may try to appear what they are not; they may talk of the mercy and love of Jesus; but their words are as "sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1) They may be blinded to the guile in their hearts, and may think themselves righteous; but in the eyes of a holy God they are in the bonds of iniquity.
Christ defined an honest man as one who would manifest unbending integrity in all his business transactions, whether his course brought loss or gain to him. And the man who is indeed connected with God, who keeps his law in truth, also keeps his life pure. His plans are in harmony with the lessons of Christ; his words and actions are approved by a just God; for all his dealings with his fellow men show uprightness. His principles are based upon the sure foundation, and his conduct in worldly matters is a transcript of the principles that govern him. His unbending integrity shines forth as a light in the moral darkness of the world.
He who would be a faithful servant of Christ, must listen to the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. His ideas and principles must be kept pure by the power of God. Every day he must learn to become more worthy of the trust committed to him. His mind must be quickened by divine power; his character uncontaminated by worldliness. At times he must turn aside from active life to commune with God, to hear his voice saying, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) The truth as it is in Jesus must be brought into his place of business; its searching maxims must try the purposes of his soul; its principles must be applied to every transaction. The Christian who is thus sanctified to God can take Jesus with him wherever he goes. No guile is found in his mouth; for his affections are placed on things above; not on the things of this earth. He is indeed a light in the world, a living epistle, "known and read of all men." (2 Corinthians 3:2) ST, December 24, 1896 par. 7-10
Jesus will receive you, all polluted as you are, and will wash you in His blood, and clense you from all pollution. Hvn 63
Good people will be guided by honesty; dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy. Proverbs 11:3 (New Century Version)