Tax time was approaching fast. All the papers were in order. They CPA just needed to organize the forms and file them.

"The extra income from your wife's babysitting," explained the tax advisor, "was not filed by anyone. You don't need to claim it. There is no legal record of this income, so there is no way to track it. It's only $300. Don't worry about."

"What does the IRS require?" asked the curious client.

"Well, actually, they do require that all income be reported, but I wouldn't worry about it. If you were audited, they wouldn't find that $300."

The young man rolled the idea around in his head for a few minutes, and then responded, "No, please claim it anyway. If the IRS requires it, then it should be claimed."

This true story illustrates an issue that is so faint these days: the importance of integrity. It is such a key issue in people's lives. It shouldn't be taken lightly, for a person's character is based on integrity.

Although no one would have known about this "side money", God would have known. You see, God "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Integrity is very important. When it comes to finances, faith or family, we must walk upright, blameless before the Lord. It is with integrity that God visits his people with his presence, as David declares in Psalms 41:12,

"In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever."

If you've ever quenched your integrity, it's not too late. God is the God of restoration. He loves restoring his children, and he can restore you.

With integrity comes his presence, and with his presence there is peace.

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Season of Peace
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© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission