Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim Burt"The True Reward: An Inspirational Story" Tom Larson was a rising star in corporate real estate. His charm and wit had earned him the reputation of being able to close any deal. But his success often came at the cost of cutting corners, bending the truth, and relying on schemes that left others worse off. Tommy convinced himself it was just how the world worked. “You’ve got to play the game to win,” he often told himself.One day, Tommy got a call from Charles Delaney, a powerful CEO with an offer too good to pass up: the chance to broker a prime downtown property. “Tom,” Delaney began when they met, “this is no ordinary deal. I need someone who knows how to deliver but with one condition: handle it with absolute integrity.”The word “integrity” caught Tommy off guard. It wasn’t something he often thought about, let alone practiced. But the allure of a massive commission drowned out the nagging in his spirit. He nodded confidently, “You can count on me.”The property turned out to be a tricky sale. Environmental restrictions, zoning disputes, and pushback from the community made it a hard sell. Tommy’s instinct was to downplay the issues and pitch it as a golden opportunity to the highest bidder. After all, that’s how he’d always closed deals.But as he visited the site, he met Claire, a widow who ran a small Christian bookstore next to the property. She spoke passionately about her dreams for the neighborhood and her prayer that whoever purchased the land would honor God and serve the community.Her words lingered: “Proverbs 10:9 says, ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.’ I trust the Lord will make sure this land is used for good.”That night, Tommy wrestled with himself. He had already lined up a buyer who was willing to pay top dollar but planned to build a high-rise that would destroy the character of the neighborhood. On the other hand, there was a smaller offer from a local developer who wanted to preserve the community's charm and partner with businesses like Claire’s.Tommy had always brushed off his conscience, but this time, it was louder than ever. Memories of his childhood came rushing back—his mother’s gentle reminders to trust in the Lord, her favorite verse: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways” (Proverbs 28:6). He realized he’d drifted far from the values he was raised with.When the deadline arrived, Tommy presented the smaller offer to Delaney. “This isn’t the highest bid,” he admitted, “but it’s the right one. The buyer’s vision aligns with what’s best for the neighborhood.”Delaney looked at him for a long moment, then smiled. “You chose wisely, Tom. That’s exactly what I hoped you’d do.”Tommy was stunned. “You hoped I’d...?”Delaney chuckled. “I’ve been watching you. I saw your talent, but I wanted to see if you had character. Integrity is the currency I value most. You’ve proven yourself today.”From that moment, Tommy’s career changed—not because he started earning more, but because he started living differently. Word spread that he was a man of integrity, and opportunities came that didn’t require scheming or shortcuts. Tommy found himself drawn back to his faith, rediscovering the peace that comes from walking with God.He often reflected on Psalm 25:21: “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” In choosing integrity, Tommy didn’t just gain Delaney’s trust; he found something far greater—a renewed relationship with God and a purpose rooted in His ways.In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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