WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 2/21/13

Psalm 141:4

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

The company had been after some low-income housing property for over a year. They hoped to put the new headquarters in what was fast becoming the disgrace of the city. Minority families lived in an apartment complex that had gone in ruin. Now, three weeks before Christmas, the company took ownership. The task ahead was to get the tenants moved out; the sooner, the better. As David sat looking at the notices, he felt sick to his stomach. He knew what the property meant to the company, but he also thought about what the housing meant to the people. He poised his pen over the notices a number of times, but something would not allow him to sign them. After hours of struggle, David turned in the blank notices, along with a resignation letter that stated he could not in good conscience continue to work for a firm with such shady values. Walking into the wintry air, David found that he was not sorry to leave, but that Christmas had come a little early.

Prayer:

Help me to stand firm against that which is evil. Let me not kid myself into believing that I can remain unaffected by the wickedness that surrounds me. Guide me to new avenues by which I might do good. Amen.