Prospering with Integrity Part 5

Hello Everyone,
Why be honest? Because God will reward my honesty in this life and eternity.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Honesty leads to a full, happy life. Why? Because you don't have any skeletons in the closet.
But if you're trying to get rich quickly, you're going to fall into problems and you'll eventually be punished for it.

God has one word to say about get rich-quick schemes.
Don't! Don't be stupid! Don't be foolish! You get wealthy by adding little to little to proper investments, wise savings, honest work, good stewardship and investing in things and people that count. Don't worry about schemes and dreams. The quicker you make it, the quicker you can lose it.
Jesus said in Luke 16 "If you're dishonest in a little, you're going to be dishonest in a lot." If you are unfaithful and cheat with worldly wealth, God will not trust you with true riches in eternity. It's a test.

One step that will get you started on the road to integrity is:

Make restitution when possible.

A good example of this is Zacchaeus in the Bible. Remember Zacchaeus was the little short fellow. Jesus came to town one day and Zacchaeus couldn't see above the crowd so the Bible says he climbed up in a tree and as Jesus was walking by He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, I'm coming to your house today."

Zacchaeus was a dishonest tax collector. In the Roman system, tax collectors were not paid; they just got to skim off the top whatever they could collect. They were the wealthiest, most dishonest, and most hated people in town. Jesus says that is the guy's home I'm going to go to.

Jesus goes and has dinner with Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus realizes "I've been doing the wrong thing. I'm going to get my life right. I'm going to do what God wants." He says "I want to follow you Lord. If I cheated anyone I will pay him back four times as much." Now there is a guy who is putting his money where his mouth is.

That's called real Christianity, restitution. In Luke 19:9 Jesus says, "Salvation has come to this man's home." This guy is a real believer. It's not a matter of just belief it's a matter of behavior.

Maybe you need to make a list. Maybe you need to say, "God I want to have a clear conscience before you and before man."
Maybe you need to wrap up some stuff and mail it back, maybe there are some items you need to return. Whether it be: office supplies, your neighbor's ladder, motel towels, or whatever...if it isn't yours give it back.

Maybe you need to write a check -- or so it will be anonymous, a money order --to an employer and say, "I took some supplies." I would suggest you use it as a witnessing opportunity, send a letter or a not with it explaining why you must make restitution.

You don't have to sign it. [Like the guy who ripped off the IRS. He got under conviction about it and sent a letter with $500 and said "I've cheated the IRS, here's $500. P.S. If I still feel guilty I'll send the rest later.]

So you send a money order to your employer and say, "I am making restitution for ________________ because I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I want to do what's right." Sign it underneath, "A cleared conscience."

You can't buy that kind of feeling, the freedom and joy that comes from a clear conscience. Amen!

All For Jesus
Pastor Phil