In a certain large manufacturing town, a young man named Francis obtained the position of clerk in the office of a rich business man. Energetic and willing, Francis soon won the trust of his employer.

On one occasion, a customer sent a letter canceling an order he had placed with the company. Francis’ employer handed the letter to his young clerk, saying with a smile, “Francis, write an answer to this letter, and tell him that the goods were shipped before his letter revoking the order arrived.”

Unfortunately, to send that as a response would be to force the customer to purchase the merchandise. But that was not such a big problem, was it? If he changed his mind once, he could surely learn to change his mind once more. And after all... would he waste even more money to ship it back after it had cost him so much already? Francis' employer really didn't care whether his customer was satisfied or not. The money from the pending order was very important to him, and he could only assume that his much trusted clerk felt the same way...

But that was not so. Francis looked in the face of his employer with a sad but firm glance, and replied,

“I cannot do that, sir.”

“Why not?”, the merchant angrily demanded.

“Because that is not the truth,” the young man replied, “for you know that the goods are still here in the shop, and it would be a lie to write what you ask me to.”

Francis knew quite well that his employer intended to first write the letter, and then to ship the goods which he claimed were already on their way. The customer would believe the letter, receive the merchandise, and have no choice but to pay for it. Such a response, then, would not only lie to their customer, but swindle him as well. Francis was determined to work only for honestly earned money, whatever that may cost him.

The young man’s honest response was an unexpected rebuke to the merchant, who could only reply sharply, “I hope you will always be this meticulous.” Saying this, he quickly turned and left.

After such an incident, Francis would no doubt lose his job. But this did not defeat him, nor cause him to go begging forgiveness from his manager in an attempt to save his finances. For even though both the merchant and his clerk were seeking gain, Francis sought primarily to earn spiritual benefit by the practice of virtue. Sadly, the merchant looked foremost for his material gain, even if it be through deceit.

Although the unfortunate man was at first angry to lose such an opportunity, he soon saw the value of what Francis had said… and of Francis himself.

Deep down inside, the employer was good at heart. He reflected upon how, for the sake of honesty, Francis had been willing to lose even his career. Who could be more deserving of trust? The merchant then wisely reconsidered, and Francis actually did lose his position... so to speak. He was promoted. Being such an excellent assistant, Francis would no longer be merely a clerk, but a confidential clerk to the merchant, someone who would be trusted with the most important matters of the business.

The promotion was a wise decision on the part of the merchant... but it was really a reward straight from God, Who was very pleased with Francis' virtue, and especially for his willingness to suffer for His sake. And Francis' new position was not to be the last of his rewards from God - greater rewards certainly awaited him in Heaven.

Honesty always reaps great benefits for those who live it, both in this life and in the next.