The Leaven of Larceny
April 10th, 2007 | Michael Pink
“Finally brethren, whatsoever things are… honest.” (Phil 4:8) Although the word translated here as honest literally means “worthy of honor or regard”, most translations just use the word, “honest”. So let’s talk about that for a moment. First, we are urged to think on things that are honest. When we think honest thoughts, we speak honest words. If we speak things or do things that are not honest, they first found a haven in our thoughts. Our words and actions are simply the overflow of our thought life.
I heard a man once say that we all have a little larceny in us. I was at first offended, but then upon honest reflection, I found that there have been plenty of occasions when I dodged the truth or told the truth, but conveyed a lie. The latter being the easiest on the conscience, but a lie nonetheless. Perhaps the best cure for that is to expose it to the light and correct misconceptions when they occur by your hand, whether intentional or not. It seems we either want people to think better of us than they ought or not as bad of us as they should.
Overcoming this is easy. Ask the Holy Spirit (and/or your spouse) to help you see when you give the wrong impression, then simply correct it. A friend of mine, we’ll call Joseph, was in a high level meeting recently and misspoke the number of transactions his company had concluded. As the conversation continued, he realized that he had mistakenly used a slightly higher number and instead of just letting it pass, he apologized to the man for the mistake and gave the corrected number. He didn’t have to embarrass himself like that and no one would have known, but he has adapted a zero tolerance for the leaven of larceny. The business man he was meeting with appreciated the correction, thanked him for setting the record straight and knew he had met an honest man he could do business with.
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April 11th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Michael - great post. It makes me refloext on my own business dealings and what I stand for. I don’t think I had considered any attempt to hide the truth dishonesty. Yes, you are correct - it is easier on the conscience. Thanks. Have a great day!
April 11th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Michael, yes, we all to often fear man more then we fear God and are willing to do or say things that put us in a better light rather then trust God to be our redeemer and provider.
Thank you for the reminder and the simple steps to accountability
April 11th, 2007 at 10:09 am
I read every e-mail and have been encouraged in the Lord. Just yesterday a friend said to me, in her words, that selling is another way to lie. Often I reflect and ask the Lord Jesus to take more control of my heart and then He will control more of my mouth. The possibilities of lying are endless so I fall on God’s mercy and require help.He does!
April 11th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I need resources to read on improving personal productivity, getting things done quicker…does anyone have recommendations?
April 11th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I have a part time home party business. The enticement to join “the team” is often presented as “you can earn $x per hour by holding a home show”. This really isn’t true if you figure in the time it takes making the contact, providing them with info, phone calls, etc. Another one is it only costs $x to get started. What is not revealed is that you need to spend $x more to get off to a realistic “good” start. I don’t use either of these tactics! I tell the whole truth up front and let them decide for themselves. After waying ALL the factors, they may decide to “go for it”. Better to have it all up front first…the person who is interested in the opportunity knowing the whole truth of it and still joining is going to be a better candidate in the long run! Being truthful you have honored them and honored God.
April 11th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Paul said : For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Romans 7:19 And Paul said this after he was converted. We are all quick to rely upon our own abilities and take the glory that belongs to God. As the song says, I am quick to wonder, Lord, I can feel it. Only by the grace of God do we do any good.
April 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Great post. It seems to be expected to tell “semi-truths” in the workplace. As a manager I was instructed to diregard about half of the contents of a resume’. I have even been turned down for positions because I was truthful on my resume’ and half of it was discounted. Lying is wide spread in all businesses. From sales reports to GNP figures, no one can take for granted any given conclusion. Some may be skeptical of this post, ha!