Honesty Is the Best Policy

Have you ever heard of Theodore Roosevelt? He was the 26th president of the United States. Before becoming president, he was a soldier, an author, served as police commissioner of New York City, and was even a cowboy. As a young man, he staked a claim in North Dakota and started his own ranch.

During his time as a rancher, Roosevelt and one of his cowhands lassoed a stray calf. They built a fire and prepared to brand the stray. The part of the range they were on belonged to Gregor Lang, one of Roosevelt's neighbors. According to the cattleman's rules at that time, a stray belonged to the person on whose land it was found. As his cowboy applied the brand, Roosevelt said, "Wait, it should be Gregor Lang's brand."

"That's all right, boss," said the cowboy.

"But you're putting my brand on it," Roosevelt said.

"That's right," said the man.

"Drop that iron," Roosevelt demanded, "and get back to the ranch, pack your belongings, and get out. I don't need you anymore. A man who will steal for me will also steal from me."

This story shows us that Theodore Roosevelt had a good understanding of the meaning of honesty.

Jesus told his disciples a story to teach them about honesty. He told them about a rich man who had a manager, and the manager was using the man's money for himself. When the rich man discovered that the manager was wasting his money, he called him in and fired him. After telling this story, Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

If you and I make sure that we are honest in the small things, then we can be sure that we will be honest in the big things. If people know that they can trust us in small things, they will know that they can trust us in the big things too.

Dear Father, help us to remember what Jesus taught about honesty and help us to be honest in every situation — big or small. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Picture of Theodore Roosevelt