Default of De Conscience

A conscience-smitten tax cheat sent $500 to the IRS, adding that he hadn't slept well since he defaulted on his taxes in 1980. "If I don't sleep better now,", he added, "I'll send the rest."

"Sleeping with a good conscience" can be said to be one of the rewards of practicing real honesty, but it's certainly not the only one. God has his own gracious ways of rewarding honesty, even in this life. That's why Paul sought to be honest both in the eyes of men and in the eyes of God) see 2 Corinthians 8:21).

Shakespeare wrote, "Take note, O world! To be direct and honest is not safe." Honesty carries a certain "risk" - the risk of losing opportunities for illicit gain. As true Christians, our honesty should be above "risk" - practices solely to please God.

After repenting of his "dishonesty" in committing adultery and conspiracy to murder, David experienced God's rewarding love" "The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight" (2 Sm 22:25). What, precisely, was David's earthly reward for honesty? It was the same as that promised to all honest persons, as the first psalm tells us: delight in God's word, sprirtual fruitfulness, success in human endeavors, and divine protection. Jesus said "those with a noble and good heart. will hear his word and retain it, and by persevering will produce a bounteous crop (see Luke 8:15). Of course it pays to be honest!

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net