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12: Accountability, transparency and integrity at work (2 Kings 12:10–11)

Scripture Reading2 Kings 12:10-11

During the later history of Israel, the priests became corrupt. Instead of using worshippers’ donations to maintain the Temple, they pilfered the money and divided it among themselves. But under the direction of Jehoash, one of the few kings “who did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 12:2), some priests with integrity devised an effective accounting system. A locked chest with a small hole in the top was installed in the Temple to receive the donations. When it got full, the high priest and the king’s secretary would open the chest together, count the money, and contract with carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters to make repairs. This ensured that the money was used for its proper purpose.

The same system is still in use today in places—such as when the cash deposited in automatic teller machines is counted. The principle that even trusted individuals must be subject to verification and accountability is the foundation of good management.

Whenever a person in power—especially the power of handling finances—tries to avoid verification, the organization is in danger. Because 2 Kings includes this episode, we know that God values the work of bank tellers, accountants, auditors, bank regulators, armored car drivers, computer security workers, and others who protect the integrity of finance. It also urges all kinds of leaders to take the lead in setting a personal example of public accountability by inviting others to verify their work.

How can you work with accountability?

Prayer: God, you notice and value work done with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Teach me to do my work with integrity that glorifies you. Amen.

For Further Exploration: Read The Southern Kingdom’s March Toward Exile (1 Kings 11:41-2 Kings 25:26; 2 Chronicles 16-36) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.


Author: Theology of Work Project

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© 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Is Bankruptcy a Bous Option?

Devotions/Partners

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Exodus 20:15 (KJV): “Thou shalt not steal.”

COMMENTARY: For thousands of years, in the Old and New Testaments, God has wanted His people to be people of integrity. Stealing is contrary to God’s nature and character. It’s wrong. It’s evil. And it’s Satan who leads people to believe that if they steal, they’ll “get ahead.” In reality, stealing is sin. And sin always results in destructive consequences.

APPLICATION: We live in a day and age when bankruptcy liquidation filings for Christians (and Christian-owned businesses) are often no less than unbelievers. While bankruptcy was originally created to be a form of mercy in response to horrific debtors’ prisons, over the years, it has eroded into a blatant legal maneuver to escape from one’s financial obligations. Technically, it is legal. Spiritually, it is often immoral.

The arrogance of bankruptcy is that it turns the borrower-lender relationship upside-down: instead of the borrower being servant to the lender, the lender becomes servant to the borrower. It’s strange how the lender, who was a “good person” when the loan was made, becomes a “monster” when he or she tries to enforce the terms of the loan.

Over the years, I’ve met many Christian businesspeople who found themselves in deep financial trouble and considered filing for bankruptcy. Some actually had bankruptcy filing papers ready to sign. However, the Holy Spirit would not let them follow through. Instead, they trusted God and eventually repaid their debts. If you’re on the verge of filing for personal or business bankruptcy today, ask yourself this question: what would Jesus do?

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Exodus 20:15 (KJV) , read The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.