I recently had to purchase some software for my computer.  Most people wouldn't have purchased it--most people would have just stolen it.  In fact, I even had several people offer to give me a copy of their software.  But it's not legal, and it's not right.

I didn't just buy it... I bought it twice.

Because of my particular application of this software, I legally needed two copies to comply with the licensing agreement.  I don't have any problem paying for it because I believe that God will bless my business when I do the right thing.

But what's annoying about integrity is that I had to spend 8-10 hours researching licensing agreements, laws, and interpreting my particular application of the software before I even knew what I needed to do.  I was on the phone with the manufacturer twice and at the retail store four times to get everything right in God's eyes.

I could have claimed ignorance and avoided this.  I also could have purchased only one copy and installed it twice--but what's the point of being 50% ethical?  What's the point of stealing half of something?  It's still wrong, and it's the worst of both worlds because you paid for it and stole it at the same time.

Integrity can be annoying but it's good.  It's good because God's plan is always good and when we choose to follow Him and trust Him with our financial resource and time, He always blesses us in return.