Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31 (NLT)

I was perturbed. It was frustrating enough that the mechanic couldn’t tell me why the red warning light had come on in my car. But in addition, he rattled off a long list of other items he said needed immediate attention. He was willing to fix them—for a hefty price, of course.

While he was explaining the “dire” condition my vehicle was in, he kept using words like imperative, serious, and dangerous. He said if I didn’t have certain work done right away, the whole engine could go out! I knew enough to know that was not true.

Oh, and did I mention the brakes? According to this mechanic, they, too, were in need of immediate replacement. Thankfully I know just enough about brakes to know the price he quoted me was greatly inflated…and that I probably didn’t need them.

To be honest, I felt manipulated. I felt like he was preying on my fears and my lack of car knowledge. But the thing that bothered me more than anything was that this particular shop had advertised on our local Christian radio station. They used the name of Christ in their ads, and they made a big deal of their “ethical” way of doing business.

It upsets me to think that people who don’t know Jesus will see through their way of doing business and make assumptions about Christianity. That’s why I’m renewing my commitment to be upfront and honest in all my business dealings. I want to treat others truthfully and fairly and not take advantage of a situation just because I know I can.

Those who are honest and fair…the rocks of the mountains will be their fortress. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance. Isaiah 33:15-16 (NLT)