There is no need to cheat, and those who do will receive their just reward. That about sums up the entire chapter, no? We are talking about honesty here and behaving in a just manner. From my interactions with people over the last 30-odd years, I am quite certain that most folks are truly seeking honesty from those around them. Why is it then that "honesty", as Billie Joel so eloquently put it, "is such a lonely word"? We've known since before the time of Solomon that the long-run payoff for the unjust is a negative return. But, our short-sightedness keeps our eyes on the immediate, and so we cut corners and behave dishonestly.
So how can we improve our long-term vision? Faith? Faith that even though we are presented evidence to the contrary, the just will prevail. And I again am not talking about heaven in the sky, singing with the angels kind of reward because even the unjust and dishonest have a chance to play in that big gig in the sky. I am talking about rewards here on earth in our lifetime. In business relations we always have the choice to either reap the immediate rewards today or to nurture long-term business relations that may produce smaller return up front but the long-term return greatly outweighs any up-front loss.
A quick story here. My wife took our car in to be inspected yesterday and the mechanic told her that the oxygen sensor was faulty and for $300 he would replace it and get the car legal. So she leaves the car with him, goes to work, and comes back later to pick up the car. She gets the bill and it's for $335. According to the mechanic, after installing the sensor, the car needed to be driven around in order for the new reading to be registered by the car's computer and the extra $35 was to pay for his joy ride. My wife tried to explained, to no avail, that she could have driven the car around for free and that he didn't obtain her permission. So she walks away from the mechanic who will never receive our service again. Why? Because he didn't behave justly and was only focused on being payed the $35 dollars he felt he deserved. But that money is all the money he will ever see from us.
And why do you think that Jesus explains how it is just and righteous to love your enemy? to turn the other cheek? Because the payoff in terms of kingdom currency is immeasurable. Our physical reaction to those who attack us is to attack right back. And of course we gain the immediate satisfaction of having our anger satisfied. But we are told that "a man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue." (Proverbs 11:12) Why? Because you have now made an investment of love (of agape) which has the potential to return infinitely. And we see this idea throughout this chapter:
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. (Proverbs 11:17)
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24).
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).
People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell (Proverbs 11:26).
Peace, be just, and find both in others.
No comments:
Post a Comment