What does Luke 3:14 teach about honesty and integrity in our professions? Setting the Scene • John the Baptist is calling Israel to repentance at the Jordan. • Tax collectors, soldiers, and ordinary people all ask, “What should we do?” (Luke 3:10–14). • Verse 14 zeroes in on soldiers—men with state-sanctioned authority and weapons—who could easily misuse their position. The Text Itself “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ John replied, ‘Do not extort money or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.’ ” (Luke 3:14) Core Lessons on Honesty and Integrity 1. Abuse of power is sin • “Do not extort money” forbids leveraging rank or influence for personal gain. 2. Truthful testimony is mandatory • “Do not … accuse falsely” rules out lies, exaggerations, or manipulated reports. 3. Contentment protects integrity • “Be content with your wages” guards the heart from greed—the root of many workplace sins (1 Timothy 6:10). Principles for Every Profession • Any position—military, corporate, governmental, service—carries temptation to exploit insider knowledge or authority. • God measures integrity not by title but by faithfulness with whatever influence we hold (Luke 16:10). • Honesty is more than avoiding theft; it is active stewardship of trust. Practical Applications Today • Reject kickbacks, padding expense reports, or misusing company resources. • Refuse to distort facts to protect yourself or harm rivals. • Disclose mistakes promptly; cover-ups compound sin. • Cultivate gratitude for current compensation while pursuing raises legitimately. • Treat subordinates, customers, and vendors as neighbors you must not wrong (Leviticus 19:13). Supporting Scriptures • Exodus 20:15—“You shall not steal.” • Proverbs 11:1—“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • Ephesians 4:28—“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.” • Colossians 3:23-24—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men …” • Titus 2:9-10—Employees are to be “well-pleasing … not stealing, but showing all good faith.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12—A quiet, diligent life “walks properly toward outsiders.” Closing Thoughts Luke 3:14 shows that genuine repentance reshapes daily work. Power must serve, truth must prevail, and contentment must steady the heart. When believers live this way, professions become platforms for the gospel, and God receives the glory. |
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