Credibility

by Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right." (Proverbs 16:13).

    An elderly Southerner walked into his banker's office one day. The banker greeted him warmly and then asked, "What can I do for you?" The Southerner, who was a typical gentleman from the 'old school' replied, "Well, about 35 years ago I loaned a man down South some money -- not a very big sum. I told him that whenever I needed it I would let him know and he could repay me. The time has come when I need some money, so I would like to let him know. I would like to have you conduct the transaction for me."

    The banker said, "My good friend, you have no claim on that money. The statute of limitations has run against that loan years and years ago."

    "Sir," the Southerner replied, "the man to whom I loaned that money is a gentleman. The statute of limitations never runs out for a gentleman."

    Sure enough, when the banker made a formal request for the money, it came in a reasonable time! With it was a note: "Thank you. I hope I have the privilege of returning the favor some day."

    True Christian character does not seek to escape from a promise. As Christians, we are to protect our credibility. One of the highest accolades of anyone's character is the comment, "If he says so, you can bank on it." Our credibility reflects our Master whose Word to us is always reliable and never changing.

Posted: 09/05/2000
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200009/20000905_credibility.html

Copyright (c) 2000, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.

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