INTEGRITY

For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. 

1 Timothy 6:10

One of my recent favorite Christian movies is called Courageous. One of the main characters is a man named Javier who, despite his confidence in God, is having a hard time finding a regular job that will pay enough to sustain his family. 

But one day, his prayers are answered. he lands a suitable job in a manufacturing firm. While working in his new post, Javier is offered an attractive promotion - with a catch. To prove his willingness to be a team player, he has to forge some entries on a supplies logbook. Despite the threat of being unemployed once again, Javier chooses the right thing. He declines the offer, saying that it would betray his family and his faith. The manager then quietly extends his hand to shake Javier's, revealing that it was a test of integrity that he had just passed. 

Money is not evil per se, especially when it is used to bless others. But when it is used for greed, it slowly consumes and destroys the soul like termites feeding on wood. For this purpose, we need a solid foundation built on faith and integrity so we can make the right decisions involving money matters. 

By: Audee Villaraza, Philippines (avillaraza@gmail.com)

REFLECTION: God gave me money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. (John D. Rockefeller)