A high-profile lobbyist in Washington DC named Jack Abramoff recently pleaded guilty to three felony counts. His up-coming testimony threatens to end careers of several members of Congress associated with his shady dealings, plus land himself in prison and end a high-flying career.

“The way of transgressors is hard,” the Bible reminds us. His plight reminds us it’s much easier to stay out of trouble than to restore one’s reputation and integrity once its been ruined.

Selfishness, greed and lack of respect may tempt some power players to ignore sound ethical choices at times, but the good news is we don’t have to give into temptation. God is the source of everything good we need to live a happy prosperous life. We don’t have to compromise with evil to prosper and do well. The trade-offs aren’t worth it. We can resist wrong and do what God wants us to do in the first place.