Sometimes we can make things very complex, and then later, we get confused about what is actually the right thing to do. When we get married, we do a course or two and maybe pick up a book. Later we get so entangled in all the rules and regulations that we just want to give up.

It’s not always necessary, and we don’t need so many rules for a marriage to work. Doep and his wife have been married for 22 years and have only three rules:

1. We never go to bed angry at each other.
2. She doesn’t hit me, and I don’t hit her.
3. We are always honest with each other; if one party has messed up, we sort it out together.

As simple as that.

When it comes to business, Coen has a few good suggestions:

I’ve had my own business for 17 years now. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over time, it’s that if you build God’s kingdom, He builds yours.

In that time, there has not been a single day that I was without the basic needs in my house. When the cash runs low, one tends to despair, but I’ve learned that rescue is then close at hand.

Work hard, be honest, don’t live lavishly, and care for the needy. Then you will never have too little.

Good advice.

What stands out in both cases is honesty. It doesn’t work if you try to deceive the other in a marriage or a relationship. Somewhere, usually at the most unexpected times, it pops up and causes a big storm.

It doesn’t help if you try to get a contract in the business world by doing it under the table. Maybe that contract goes smoothly, but when the next one fails, you’ve no idea why. Perhaps it is precisely the dishonesty with the previous contract that eats away like cancer.

Always be honest in everything you do. When people look at you, they should not get a different picture. If they find out once you weren’t 100% honest, they will look at you and wonder which side of the line you’re working next time.

Let this also be your motto:

¹²And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.

Scripture
James 5:7-12

Reflection
Where are the grey areas in your life?
How can you get rid of them?
How can God help you with that?

Prayer
Father, I know that sometimes I distort the truth ever so slightly. I know it’s not right. I don’t want to do it anymore. Let Your Spirit help me here. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.