Honesty

by Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I 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)

    Bill Campbell, owner of Campbell's Restaurant Equipment & Supply in San Luis Obispo, California, was surprised to find a $10 bill in his mail one day. It was from a customer who had purchased a refrigerator from his company in 1963. The note attached to the bill said: "I was undercharged $10. When the salesman called to inform me, I refused to pay the $10. I have suffered with this all these years. So here's the $10. Thanks."

    Campbell, whose father started the business in 1939, only vaguely remembers hearing about an irate customer who was undercharged and refused to pay. The details are fuzzy in his memory.

    He said about the incident, "That was $10 we wrote off." He can't help but wonder, however, if the man may have received more than his money's worth out of the refrigerator. In fact, he suspects the refrigerator is still running.

    To Campbell, the $10 is too valuable to put in the bank. It's more important to him as a conversation piece, framed and hanging on his wall. Campbell wishes, however, that the customer would have given his name or a return address. "He needs a word of thanks", says Campbell. "He did fess up to it."

    Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist. God sets a high priority on honesty with His children. Our honesty with others goes a lot farther in life than a paltry sum of money.

    Today, guard your honesty as your richest treasure.

Posted: 02/06/2001
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200102/20010206_honesty.html

Copyright (c) 2001, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.

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