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PROGRAM D-7767
Have you ever found yourself dealing with a coworker or boss who tries to get you to take part in something dishonest or deceptive? Louise, Fran’s co-worker, has been asked to sign an expense account report for Jerry, her supervisor, but it doesn’t meet the guidelines for allowable expenses. She’s supposed to sign it after she has checked it out and made sure it is accurate. She discovered that he had not given an explanation for a luncheon meeting, and he had failed to turn in the appropriate receipts. Jerry got angry with her and told her to just sign it and turn it in. She doesn’t know what to do, so Fran invited her over that night to think and pray about it.
Fran talks with Jesus about the dilemma. “Lord,” she says, “are we, as Christians, supposed to report people when we know they’re wrong, or is it enough just to keep from being a part of their wrongdoing? Just seems like there are some questions that don’t have any right or wrong answers.”
That quiet voice of the Holy Spirit within reminds her that God’s principles are clearly defined in the Bible, and both she and Louise can trust the Holy Spirit to guide them, even in areas that look murky and confusing.
Fran sighs. “You know, sometimes being a Christian really makes life more difficult. I mean, a non-Christian would probably have no problem with this, do what Jerry says and let it go.”
She remembers how Jesus said that the narrow way isn’t always the easiest way. But it is the right way.
Louise comes over that evening and after Fran puts the kids in bed, they settle down to talk and pray. “Well, what are your options?” Fran asks.
“My options are to make up some excuse for him or put a client’s name in there by the luncheon charge, and be done with it. Or to go back and tell Jerry that I can’t verify the report without the receipts and explanations, and incur his wrath,” Louise explains.
“Well,” Fran says, “if you sign it as Jerry wants you to, you will be lying, right?”
Louise replies. “Is it really lying when I’m simply following directions? Jerry is forcing me to falsify the report. Therefore, can I really be held accountable?”
“Would you be doing something which you know to be inaccurate and wrong?” Fran asks.
“Yes,” Louise answers, “but only because I’ve been told to. Besides, Fran, it’s only $152. It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal to Jesus if we do something which we know is wrong?” Fran asks.
“I know, I know,” Louise says, putting her head in her hands. “You’re right, Fran. If I falsify that report, I’m just as guilty as Jerry.”
“And furthermore, if you do it once, you’ll have to keep doing it, right?” Fran continues. “So, the first option is neither right nor smart, since you would then be a part of the deception.”
