January 16th - Proverbs 11:1

Proverbs 11:1 Dodgy dealers are nothing new. Since the dawn of time, humankind has been involved in trading and there have always been people who have acted dishonestly. For thousands of years, weighing scales have been used – and it is easy to see how traders could adjust them to their advantage. The prophet Amos was well aware of this practice. He wrote: “You measure out grain with dishonest measures, and cheat the buyer with dishonest scales. And you mix the grain you sell with chaff swept from the floor” (Amos 8:5-6). What troubled Amos the most was that the people who cheated their customers were also very religious. However, Amos observed, these religious people couldn’t wait for the Sabbath to be over so that they could get back to the business of cheating people. Amos declared that God hated this and would judge the people who were responsible for it. Indeed, God detested the fact that these people worshipped him. He said that he was not willing to accept the burnt offerings and grain offerings that they brought to him: “Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living” (Amos 5:23-24). Fundamentally, God is challenging us to live consistently and ensure that our worship and our daily life speak with the same voice. If we are willing to sing hymns and worship God in church on Sunday, then our actions throughout the rest of the week should also reflect our love for him. That means cutting corners and being economical with the truth are not options for us. We are called to live honestly and transparently seven days a week. Question How do you respond when you are encouraged to cut corners and be a little dishonest? Prayer Loving God, help me to act consistently in a way that is true and right. Give me your wisdom and strength so that I can live for you seven days a week. Amen