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Key Bible Verse: Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do (Deuteronomy 23:23). Bonus Reading: Psalm 15

Antique dealer Roy bought what he thought might be Jefferson's desk that disappeared during the Civil War. But concluding it was simply a good reproduction, he included it in his auction. On auction day, a woman came in, loved the desk and promised to pick it up and pay next day.

Before the auction, bidder Tom examined the desk. "Did you get a good price for that desk you have a hold on, Roy?"

"Just what I had in it—at least I will tomorrow."

"I'll give you twice what you paid right now!"

"You're crazy, Tom. That's not an original, just a good copy."

"No, Roy. Only the insides of the drawers have been replaced. The chestnut is 18th century; the craftsmanship is definitely original."

When the woman arrived next morning, Roy explained what he'd learned. "Then you won't sell it?" the woman asked dejectedly.

"Yes, I will," Roy replied. "I gave my word."

But after weighing the responsibility of owning a Jefferson desk, she told Roy she'd settle for a good reproduction. Roy sold the desk to a museum. He presented the woman with a beautiful reproduction—plus a check for $100,000. He realized his integrity was worth more than a short-term profit.

—Larry Burkett in The Christian Businessman

• What should our true motivation for honesty be?

Thought to Apply: If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.

—D. L. MOODY (EVANGELIST)

Credits: Adapted from—Friday: The Christian Businessman (1-2/99)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail mail@menofintegrity.net.
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