Speaking For Itself!

As I have been again reading through Genesis, I have been struck by Jacob's willingness to show INTEGRITY in caring for Laban's (his father-in-law) flocks. Though Laban switched daughters on him after Jacob had worked seven years for Rachel ( Genesis 29:25) -- requiring him to work another seven years ( Genesis 29:30) after giving him Leah -- and continually changing his wages (note Genesis 31:7), Jacob still took nothing that was not declared to be his wages. Jacob even replaced from his own property any of the flock that were torn by wild beasts or stolen. ( Genesis 31:39) He continually showed himself to be a faithful, HONEST, and trustworthy person with all that was entrusted to his care. ( Genesis 31:38-40) Through all of this God worked out great blessing for Jacob.

When agreement was made as to what lambs birthed from the flock would become Jacob's wages, he declared to Laban . . .

"SO MY HONESTY WILL ANSWER FOR ME LATER, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen." ( Genesis 30:33 ESV)

I recently read of an individual -- someone who could have used some extra money -- who was called a "moron" for having turned in a bag containing $140,000 in unmarked bills that had somehow been lost from a Brinks armored truck. He did receive a reward, but in holding to his integrity there were still those who would criticize his HONESTY. Actually I would say he was "more on" target with God's Will than those who considered his actions "moronic". Apparently not all people view such as an honorable trait today. Who would have known? He would have! And so would God!

Someone has said, "The sun has no need to boast of its brightness, and honest people have little to say about their honesty." [source: list of sentence sermons] Our HONESTY will generally speak for itself as we go through our day-to-day activities. In big things and small things it will be revealed. In fact, in a society where HONESTY may not be the norm it will shout out loud! As people of God should it not be a shining quality in all areas of our life? May we live in a manner that allows our HONESTY to answer for us as our daily life is being observed.

Have a great day LETTING INTEGRITY'S LIGHT SHINE!
Carl

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