Visit an old-world market. Haggling is the name of the game. I offer this, you counter my offer. We swing our perceived value of the merchandise back and forth until we come to an agreement.
I only want to pay what I feel comfortable with. You have to sell it for enough to cover your expenses.
Who wants to take a loss, either in selling it for less than it costs to produce, or in paying more than you can recoup when you resell?
Some manufacturers consider a loss a good deal. Microsoft famously sells its gaming units for less than they cost to produce, knowing it will more than remake its money on the games it sells. The software giant considers its trade-off fair play. Everyone wins, either in good value for a good product, or in profits fairly earned.
What about unfair play? We’re forced to borrow money at exorbitant rates; our company is driven into the ground to be snapped up and resold by a larger company; or we’re hoodwinked into purchasing poor investments so someone else can become rich?
Habakkuk 2:7 tells us:
“Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite you, and awake that shall vex you, and you shall be for [riches] unto them?”
The prophet refers to the Chaldeans in this passage, but his words are aimed at any people who oppress another. Do we borrow our neighbor’s mower and return it with the gas tank empty? How about the pizza delivery guy? Do we tip him enough to make his job worthwhile? Then there’s our children. Do we hug them as we correct them? They only grow up once. Shouldn’t they be given the best experience possible?
Habakkuk’s words tell us that the head of the snake will become the tail. What we do will come back on us. If we mistreat others, they will become vengeful towards us.
Jesus’ words tell us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. If we want them to tell us good morning, we need to say it first. If we want a hug, hug first. Giving good gifts? Be first in line.
Treating others well is always a good investment. It’s fair play, because what we give out is what comes our way, time and time again.
Let’s step up for God, and become what God wants us to be.
Copyright © 2015 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.F.09.15.vp.kjv
Originally Published 10-1-15 in Relationships