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PROGRAM D-8412
Yesterday, Fran’s boss asked her to change some numbers on a proposal for a prospect in order to get the business with the full intention to come up with a reason to change the numbers once they get the business—a deceptive and unethical thing to do.
Fran thinks, Yeah, she’s probably right. Our competition does this all the time; I guess everybody does it. As she starts to adjust the figures, she can sense the presence of Jesus, looking over her shoulder, watching every number she’s changing.
She’s a bit nervous. “Well, Lord, what am I supposed to do?” she asks. “She’s my boss; I’m just following instructions.” But she knows that won’t work with Jesus.
“Do you remember when I told the Pharisees that we are to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s?” Jesus asks her.
“Yes,” she answers, “but what’s that got to do with these figures?”
“It’s a principle, Fran, and you need to apply it here. What do you owe your boss? Honesty, hard work, a submissive attitude—yes. But not compromising your standards and integrity.”
Her head drops on her desk, and she thinks, Being a Christian sure makes it hard sometimes. How in the world am I going to handle this? She feels trapped and alone.
After a few minutes, remembering that Jesus is still there since he never leaves her or forsakes her, she asks, “Jesus, what am I going to do?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” he replies. “Think about what happened when you landed that new account last month. Remember what the client told you?”
Yes, she remembers. The client had explicitly requested that the proposal be very conservative because of a most unpleasant experience with a competitor who gave a low bid and turned in a much higher invoice. The client had said to her, “I don’t want any surprises. Give me honest estimates.”
“Yeah, Lord,” Fran says with relief. “I’ll explain to my boss how we can use this to our advantage by telling the client up front that they won’t get any surprises at the end of the project. Yeah, thanks Lord. I think I can make that work.”
She finishes the proposal and gets ready to take it in for her boss’ approval. Then she thinks, What if she insists I do it her way? What if it offends her that I suggest something different? Fear starts to grip her mind.
“It’s a little scary, isn’t it?” Jesus asks.
“Not just a little, Lord. I’m putting myself out on a limb here.”
“Yes,” he says, “I know that. But you’re rendering to God what belongs to God; you’re doing the right thing. I’m going in there with you; you’re not alone.”
That helps a little, but she still doesn’t know what she’ll say if this backfires.
Jesus says, “You know, sometimes discipleship is costly. But remember, nothing can separate you and me, so as long as we’re together, your future is secure. Just do what you know is right to do; I’ll take care of you.”
“Okay, Jesus, but please give me the right words to say,” Fran says. He promises to do that, and she takes a deep breath and walks into her boss’ office.