Is wrong wrong even when no one is looking?

As most are aware we have had quite the weather in Oklahoma over the last couple of weeks. Like many, I have suffered some property damage, although nothing compared to those who have lost so much.

Now that the storms have passed the real fun has begun. Contractors are out in groves, every imagineable insurance company has set up camp and like most I find myself right in the middle of all the frenzy needing to get estimates, claims filed and settlements. This morning I came across a verse of scripture in my devotion time-

Prov. 20:17 "Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel"

How easy it is during times like this to let greed override integrity. Tell me, will those who claim to be followers of Christ resist the tempation to take more than what is rightfully theirs during this chaotic time? It is certainly easy to exagerate claims, roll in old damage as new, pad estimates, or upcharge customers since the insurance company is footing the bill.

Is integrity required at all times even if the victim is the insurance company, who after all charges to much anyway????

Is integrity something we do for others or for ourselves? I would be lying if I didn't say for a fleeting moment it was tempting to fudge about an answer, leave off some information or answer round about some of the questions asked me by the insurance company - none of us our immune to the temptation of the carrot when the enemy dangles it in front of us.

However, it isn't to the insurance company I owe honsety to. It is to myself. More than that it is to Christ - the one I represent.

I was reminded of a couple other verses in Proverbs today...

Prov. 11:3 "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity"
*****It is a comforting feeling to not have to try and remember what you
said in fear that you might not say it the same way again!

Prov. 4:18 "The path of the irghteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day"
*****Right is always bright and clear. Wrong comes in many shades of
darkness

Is wrong wrong even when no one is looking? I guess the answer is the same as it is to another age old question...If a tree falls in the forest when no one is around does it still make noise?

Have a great day.

Blessings,
Darren