John Smith was a loyal carpenter, working for a very successful building contractor who called
him into his office one day and said, "John, I'm putting you in charge of the next house we
build. I want you to order all the materials and oversee the whole job from the ground up."
John accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm and excitement. For ten days before ground
was broken at the building site, John studied the blueprints. He checked every measurement,
every specification.
Suddenly he had a thought. "If I am really in charge," he said to himself,
"why couldn't I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my
pocket? Who would know the difference? Once the house is painted, it will look just great."
So John set about his scheme. He ordered second-grade lumber, but his reports indicated that it
was top-grade. He ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation, put in cheap wiring, and cut
every corner he could, yet he reported the purchase of much better materials.
When the home was completed and fully painted, he asked the contractor to come and see it. "John," said the
contractor, "what a magnificent job you have done! You have been such a good and faithful
carpenter all these years that I have decided to show my gratitude by giving you this house you
have built, as a gift!"
- Precept Austin