September 18
Integrity
in the Kitchen
"Those who do what is right are guided by their honest lives. But those who aren’t faithful are destroyed by their own dishonesty."
Proverbs 11:3 (NIrV)
Jamie wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, smearing sweat across his already flushed skin. The café kitchen was sweltering, and the rush of orders never seemed to slow down. He barely had time to breathe, let alone worry about details like wiping down his station or washing his hands after a quick trip to the restroom. He had been working in kitchens for years—he knew how to keep things moving.
He moved with hurried precision, flipping burgers, plating salads, and tossing ingredients into sizzling pans. His long, unkempt hair stuck to his forehead, but he didn’t care. Customers didn’t see the kitchen; they only saw the food.
Then it happened. A piece of grilled chicken slipped from his tongs and landed on the greasy tiled floor. Jamie hesitated. No one was watching. The lunch rush meant every second counted. He reached down, quickly picked it up, and was about to place it onto the plate when a voice stopped him.
"Jamie."
He froze. It was Mark, the café owner, standing in the doorway. His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable.
Jamie’s heart pounded. He could brush it off, make a joke, claim it was just a reflex. But the truth hung in the air between them.
Mark sighed. “You know better.”
Jamie looked down at the chicken in his hand. He had spent years priding himself on speed and efficiency, but what about integrity? He thought about all the corners he had cut—rushing through handwashing, ignoring the hairnet policy, using the same towel for everything. It had never seemed like a big deal before.
But this moment was different. It wasn’t just about a piece of food—it was about who he was when no one was watching.
His shoulders sagged. He tossed the chicken into the trash and turned to wash his hands, the water running cool over his fingers.
Later that night, as he lay in bed, Jamie whispered a prayer. "God, I’ve been careless, thinking only of getting through the day. Help me to do better, to be someone who does what’s right even when it’s hard."
The next day, Jamie arrived early. He tied his hair back, wiped down his station, and took an extra moment to wash his hands. It was a small change, but it mattered. Because integrity wasn’t about being perfect—it was about choosing to do what was right, even when no one was watching.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to live an honest life, not just when others are watching, but in every moment.
Guide me to do what is right, even when shortcuts seem easier.
Give me the strength to act with integrity, in my work and in my heart.
Thank You for Your grace and for showing me that honesty and faithfulness lead to a life that honors You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
