Recently I was traveling home after speaking at a church conference when my stomach started informing me it was lunchtime. As I weighed my options which were displayed at the upcoming interstate exit, I decided to stop at one of my favorite fast-food restaurants for one of their chicken sandwiches. After placing my order, paying for my meal and receiving my food, I found a seat in their busy dining area.

However almost immediately I questioned in my mind whether or not I had received my several dollars of change back from my payment. It didnt seem like I had, but Im getting where I dont trust my memory as well as when I was younger. I sat down mulling over the possibility, even checking my wallet to see if I could determine the facts by the bills I possessed. Still uncertain, I decided it was probably too late to check into it anyway. Just as I had reconciled myself to the possibility of having made an unintentional extra donation to that restaurant, along came the young lady who had taken my order. She had hunted me down to ask if she had neglected to give me my change. She thought she had failed to do so, graciously apologized, and proceeded to take the steps to correct her mistake.

The actions of that employee illustrate just another reason why this is one of my favorite restaurant chains. It would have been easy for her to dismiss the idea that she had made a mistake, especially since I had already walked away. She wouldnt have had to confess her error or go to the trouble of making it right. However, how she handled the situation revealed traits of honesty and integrity, which I greatly appreciate.

We need to remember the importance of how we treat other people. It not only reveals our character, but it also reflects our relationship with the Lord. The Bible condemns those who take unfair advantage of others or who are unjust in their business practices. Jesus gave us the Golden Rule And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise (Luke 6:31). He also affirmed that were not only to love the Lord our God with all our heart, but were to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Admittedly were all going to make mistakes in our dealings with others. We might forget to return someones change. We might unintentionally hurt or offend someone. We might say a harsh word, lash out in anger, act selfishly, or otherwise not behave very lovingly or in accord with the Golden Rule. While we need to seek Gods help to avoid such actions, we also need to respond properly when were guilty of that kind of behavior. Dont just sweep it under the rug and forget about it. It might be easier to ignore our mistake and not take responsibility for it. In some cases, it may seem like nobody would ever know about it except for the Lord.

Jesus reminded us of the importance of getting wrongs settled with others before we come to worship God (Matthew 5:23-24). Is there someone you need to go to in order to confess, apologize or make restitution? Maybe youre not sure if you hurt the person or not. Under those circumstances, it would be easy to let it go. But if theres any doubt or if you sense the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart about it, you probably need to hunt down that person and check into it anyway. Hopefully, that person will appreciate your integrity and I know God will.

The Rev. Tony W. Elder is pastor of Wesley Community Fellowship Church. He can be reached at 770-483-3405 or by email at revtelder@aol.com.

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REV. TONY ELDER: Be a person of integrity in dealing with others - Rockdale Newton Citizen (press release) (registration)