Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/24/2011

Question
The man I plan to marry received from a co-worker an answer sheet to questions for a test in order to acquire a required certification to work for different companies for a higher rate of pay. I feel this is cheating and I have voiced my concerns to him about this. At the moment he is extremely short on cash and is selling copies of the answer sheet for $100 each. I feel that he is wrong for selling the test and that he is cheating the companies that would be hiring these men who buy the cheat sheets. I would like to know if this is as wrong as I feel it to be or am I over reacting? I am doing my best to follow God's instructions but am sometimes told that I take it a little too far. Please give me your thoughts and any biblical references.

Answer
Hi Debbie,

Thank you for this great question.  If this really is a cheat sheet, not a study sheet, this is unethical and dishonest.

Romans 12:17 (AV)
... Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

You are not married yet.  This should be an eye opener about his grasp on his own integrity.  If he is willing to bend honesty for an extra buck, would he treat you the same way after a few years?  I think that there is a good reason that alarm bells are going off in your spirit over this.

I hope that this helps you.  I am very sorry for my late response.

In Christ
Pastor Don