Honesty

 

I graduated from college in 1978.  It took me eleven years, but that’s another story for another day.  I began teaching at Berean Academy in Hixson, Tennessee.  That first summer I did roofing.  I bought a 1953 GMC pickup truck with a straight 6 - 302 engine.  I paid Mr. Kilgore $200 for the truck in four payments of $50.  My first roof was a two story 4/12 pitch that was fairly easy.  I gave the man a contract price and told him that I would replace any rotted decking underneath.  I had walked over the roof and figured on replacing two pieces of plywood.  But after I tore off the old shingles, I discovered extensive damage to the plywood sheathing.  But I had given my word.  I had no choice but to replace the bad plywood and finish the job.  I gave the man the bill.  He looked at it and said, “I noticed that you had to replace more plywood than you planned.”  I nodded in agreement.  He went on, “I know that we agreed on a price, but I want to pay you for the extra plywood that you bought.”  And he did.  Technically, he didn’t have to, but morally, he knew that he should.  I learned two lessons that day: how to bid roof jobs, and how to be honest.  David said in Psalm 15:4, “… he (God) honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”  When you make a promise, you should hold up your end of the bargain, even if it hurts.  God will honor you if you do.  Do right; God is watching … and others are too.