Hello ,

Jim George shares the following in his book "God's Man of Influence":

I was trying to sell a used boat trailer in the middle of winter. It was hardly 30 degrees outside, and no one was boating.

Then a potential buyer contacted me. He was even willing to pay my asking price! There was only one catch. He wanted me to put only half the price of the trailer on the bill of sale. "That's the way we do it in these parts," he said. If I complied, he wouldn't have to pay half the state sales tax, which amounted to several hundred dollars.

I really want to sell that trailer, was my first thought. If I say no, he might back out, and I may not find anyone else who'll pay my asking price. If I agree, I'll be lying-not to mention breaking the law-but who would know? I knew what I should do, but still I was having this inner struggle.

I told him I was a Christian and couldn't do anything illegal. The man went ahead and bought the trailer anyway, and I declared the full amount on the bill of sale. But I was prepared to lose the sale to be obedient to God's standards.*

Being honest isn't always "convenient" in the world that we live in, and there are plenty of people out there who are willing to bend the rules just a tiny bit to make it work for them.  

God calls His people to higher ground, and there's no such thing as a "white lie" for Christians.  It's a great reminder for anyone who claims to represent the Kingdom of God.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word