Should You Be Honest at All Times?

"Everybody Does It"

Stealing on the job is widespread.  As a result, many feel, "Everybody does it, so why shouldn't I?"  In contrast, the Bible states:  "You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends."  (Exodus 23:2)  Victoire has heeded this admonition. Has it paid off?

When she was 19, Victoire  got a job in a palm-oil processing plant.  She soon noted that the 40 women employed there were using their baskets to smuggle palm kernels out of the plant.  Each weekend, they sold the kernels for the equivalent of  three to four day's salary.  Victoire relates: "Literally everyone was doing it.  They expected me to join in, but I refused,  stating that honesty is my way of life.  They ridiculed me, claiming that I would be the loser.

"One day as we were filing out of the  plant, the manager suddenly appeared.  He searched everyone's basket except mine.  All those caught  were to be fired immediately or to work two weeks without salary.  During those two weeks, the women became convinced that I was not the loser."

Next time: "Finders Keepers"

Watchtower, 2010