Dear Friends,

Norman’s line at the stadium’s south entry stayed busy all day. As a gate attendant for the show, he had to check incoming tickets for the right date, tear them properly, and ensure the accuracy of the turnstile count. Looking down the line, he noticed two friends waiting their turn to enter the event. When they arrived at his turnstile, one of them asked Norman to look the other way and let them into the show for free. “Come on, Norman,” he said. “No one will know the difference, and the company won’t miss the money.”

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you” (1 Chronicles 29:17).

“Sorry, you guys,” replied Norman, “but I cannot cheat the show. It’s dishonest, and I value my job here.”

God is pleased with integrity and the influence it has on others. When Christians display traits of honesty and moral character, society takes note. Some might even follow that good example.

Thought for Today: Integrity is honesty demonstrated.