“‘It’s no good, it’s no good!’ says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.”

This person trades their integrity for gain. They’re willing to lie or misrepresent to take advantage of someone, and yet they turn right around and reveal their deception by bragging about getting such a great deal. Sadly, I’ve met this person a few times. If you’ve been in business, you most likely have as well. It is not surprising among those who don’t know Christ. It’s as natural as breathing for the lost to act lost. When someone without faith operates with high morals, it’s a refreshing anomaly. But when a follower of Christ takes advantage of others or schemes to deceive and manipulate, it’s heartbreaking. It’s also one of the things that sometimes interferes with others coming to Christ. The often-quoted words of Gandhi come to mind when he is said to have declared, “I don’t reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ.” I’m not particularly impressed by that excuse, but it does carry the scent of this verse. In terms of believers operating with integrity, I prefer Martin Luther’s response to the cobbler who wanted to know how to share his faith through his work. Luther replied, “Make good shoes and sell them at a fair price.” It’s not hard to live a life in alignment with our faith. We just need to do it. Today, be kind and fair. #BeTheEdge

“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV