The fruit of the righteous is a tree of
life, and the one who is wise saves lives. (Prov 11:30)
Throughout our
day, we are all faced with thousands of small decisions about how we should
live. Do we choose to cheat in some small way, or do we maintain our integrity
in everything we do? Are our behavior and attitudes motivated by pride or
humility? Are we faithful in our relationships with our co-workers? Do we
pursue wealth at all costs, or do we pursue righteousness? Do people know us at
work for our blameless, impeccable character? Do we place our hope in other
people, or do we fully hope in God? What about what we say, can we be trusted
to keep secrets and to hold our tongue or are we known as the office gossip. Do
people say we are ruthless, cruel, deceptive, or back stabbers? Or are we known
for being kindhearted, and desiring good things for our co-workers and our
company? Are we known for our generosity with our time and abilities?
Thanks be to
God, through Christ Jesus, it is possible to escape these temptations, to
resist the devil and for our lives to be transformed. Jesus understands our
temptations, for he was tempted in every way we are, yet he did not sin. Through
the power of the Holy Spirit we can live a life of integrity. God will not let us
be tempted beyond what we can bear. And when we are tempted God will provide a
way out so that we can endure it. (1 Cor 10:13).
Today choose to
do your work with integrity, humbly pursuing righteousness with your hope firmly
placed in God. May you be known as one who holds your tongue, as kind-hearted,
generous, spreading seeds of righteousness and seeking the good of your
co-workers and employer. Then you will know the favor of the Lord. Your paths
will be straight, even when faced with difficult choices. You will be like a
tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and bringing shade
and beauty where you live and work.
Prayer
Almighty God, we come to you knowing that you understand the
temptations we face today. We ask for your mercy and grace to help us in our
time of need. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the Evil one.
For yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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