Daily Devotion | Day 274
“You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 25:15-16, NKJV).
Relax. We are not going to discuss your body weight. Longevity and health is more than eating the right food and doing the right exercises. Behaving right and practicing justice can prolong your life, too. When God talks about long life, He means more than number of years. He means more years accompanied by peace of mind and joy. It’s about graceful ageing, not more years accompanied by stress or wickedness.
Many variables go into a healthy, long life. In today’s opening passage, God reveals to us one of those variables. It’s about acting with integrity and justice in matters relating to money, merchandise, trade or marketing.
Have you ever bought something and later discovered that it wasn’t what was advertised? Sellers and merchants can manipulate weights and measurements to give you false readings, thereby gaining unjust advantage over you. When you think you’re being sold a pound of meat for $2, actually you’re paying $2 for less than a pound, because the scale has been manipulated. When you think you’re being sold 15 cups of flour for $7, you’re actually paying $7 for 14.5 cups, because the capacity of the cup is not what you think it is.
People who use deception to get more money are con artists. In every generation and in nearly all places, you will find them. God didn’t want such people in Israel. And, He doesn’t want them among us.
God wants you to be holy and righteous in all your endeavors.
This includes your dealings with money. Those who deceive to gain money and all who behave unrighteously are an abomination unto God. You don’t want to be found in this category.
God can and will bless you beyond your imagination. You don’t have to risk going to hell over money.
You don’t have to sacrifice your integrity for a few more dollars. Your integrity is more precious than gold and silver. The Bible says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1, ESV). Your success should not be the fruit of deception, lies and manipulation. Rather, your success should be based on integrity, honesty and sound work ethic.
Act right. Stay right. Live long.
Blessing: May the Lord supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.
For further study: Luke 19:1-10 and Acts 5:1-11
Higher-Self Realities 