YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND STILL BE HONEST

Dearly Beloved,
YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND STILL BE HONEST
"The other men tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel did his work for the king. But they could not accuse him of anything wrong, because he was honest and faithful and did everything he was supposed to do" (Daniel 6:4 CEV).
There was a chat that ensued between one of my BlackBerry contacts and me. The person wanted to know if one can be successful in life without being dubious (in character). I answered in the affirmative. He wondered how that can be so and wanted me to prove it to him. I explained to him that the Holy Bible teaches honesty and that there were many honest people in the Bible who were also successful in life. I even used my life as an example. He did not believe me. He even accused me of boasting.
If one considers what are happening in the world nowadays, especially in Nigeria, one would think that only dishonest people can succeed in life. Examination malpractices are so common among students that examination bodies are having difficulties in curbing them. Many parents are even helping their children in these nefarious activities! Politics or rather the politicians are so dirty that righteous people would think twice before joining them, and where you find anyone who wants to be righteous or just in politics, such a person would be frustrated out of the system. Bribery and corruption in all ramifications have been institutionalized in public and private sectors. Even religious institutions are not left out in these acts of dishonesty! Indeed, it is very difficult to find honest men and women in the society. The situation of Nigeria is like the one that Prophet Isaiah described, "Justice is driven away, and right cannot come near. Truth stumbles in the public square, and honesty finds no place there. There is so little honesty that anyone who stops doing evil finds himself the victim of crime" (Isaiah 59:14-15 TEV). No wonder, many young people think (like that BlackBerry contact) that you cannot be honest and be successful.
When Elijah thought there was no more people serving God in the days of King Ahab, God told him that he had "reserved SEVEN THOUSAND in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18 NKJV emphasis mine). In spite of all the decadence in Nigeria, there are people who are honest and are still successful in the country. There are people that God can still vouch for. Are you one of such people? It was very difficult to find any fault or corrupt practice in Daniel, even at his high-ranking position (see Daniel 6:4). How honest are you in your position? Are you also of the opinion that you cannot be successful with honesty?
You can indeed be successful and still be honest!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).