2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV): For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

When it comes down to it, the most important opinion is God’s. He is the one who truly knows your heart. In the end, it’s all between you and Him. But what about in the meantime? Does it matter what others think?

We are never to change our behavior to conform to the world, but our behavior should show the world who we are and what we value. That’s transparency. You should not only conduct your business in an honest way, you should be able to demonstrate to someone that you have honest business practices. At any given time, you should be able to open your business ledger, grade book, insurance reports or whatever it is you deal with and say “Be my guest. Inspect my practices.”

It’s tempting for the world to misinterpret our actions or question our motives. We can’t control what everyone says or thinks about us, but we can live and conduct our business in the light so that others cannot assume that there are shady things being done in the dark.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for understanding our heart even when others don’t. Help us to be transparent in our business practices so others aren’t tempted to question our integrity. Please forgive us when we are tempted to hide details in the dark. Amen.