The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. (Prov 11:30)

Throughout our day, we are all faced with thousands of small decisions about how we should live. Do we choose to cheat in some small way, or do we maintain our integrity in everything we do? Are our behavior and attitudes motivated by pride or humility? Are we faithful in our relationships with our co-workers? Do we pursue wealth at all costs, or do we pursue righteousness? Do people know us at work for our blameless, impeccable character? Do we place our hope in other people, or do we fully hope in God? What about what we say, can we be trusted to keep secrets and to hold our tongue or are we known as the office gossip. Do people say we are ruthless, cruel, deceptive, or back stabbers? Or are we known for being kindhearted, and desiring good things for our co-workers and our company? Are we known for our generosity with our time and abilities?

Thanks be to God, through Christ Jesus, it is possible to escape these temptations, to resist the devil and for our lives to be transformed. Yes, Jesus understands our temptations, for he was tempted in every way we are, yet he did not sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can live a life of integrity. God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. And when we are tempted God will provide a way out so that we can endure it. (1 Cor 10:13).

Today choose to do your work with integrity, humbly pursuing righteousness with your hope firmly placed in God. May you be known as one who holds your tongue, as kind-hearted, generous, spreading seeds of righteousness and seeking the good of your co-workers and employer. Then you will know the favor of the Lord. Your paths will be straight, even when faced with difficult choices. You will be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and bringing shade and beauty where you live and work.

Prayer                                                                                    

Almighty God, we come to you knowing that you understand the temptations we face today. We ask for your mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the Evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.