9 Dec, 2008
Police in Covington, Ky., arrested a 19 year old at a suspected drug market. Though several people were booked that night, this young man stood out as he was the one wearing the T-shirt that read, "Its Not Illegal Unless You Get Caught."
[Kentucky Enquirer, 10-17-08]
Integrity
A life with many benefits
Proverbs 10:9
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (ESV)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about the benefits of integrity?
In today's story, we see a young man who has fallen victim to one of the oldest lies around...its not illegal, its not a lie, its not cheating, its not a sin...unless I get caught.
The truth is...illegal is illegal...period. The same is true about cheating, lying or anything else we have been trying to hide since the Garden of Eden. For some reason, we feel like we are getting away with something if no one finds out. Today's passage tells us quite plainly that, eventually, we will be found out...even if the authorities in Kentucky don't catch on...God always knows.
God's Story scripture also helps us to know that there is a MUCH better way to live and its called integrity! Much like a good job has benefits...so does a life of integrity! Check out just a few more of those benefits...
Blessings from God (Psalm 24:3-5)
Guidance for our lives (Prov.11:3)
It guards us (Prov.13:6)
Even your children will be blessed! (Pov.20:7)
Provision for our needs (Isaiah 33:15-16)
God is glorified (I Peter 2:12)
No one can talk bad about you (I Peter 3:16)
And that's just a few of the benefits of a life of integrity!
How can we connect today's story and God's story to our lives?
One of the best definitions of integrity that I have ever heard is this: always doing what is right whether anyone is looking or not.
Doing the right thing is pretty easy for most people when it doesn't cost them much. Being a man (or woman) of integrity really starts to define us when we do the right thing even when it costs us a great deal.
- Yes, it could cost you months of your allowance and maybe being grounded to admit that the dent in the car was your fault...but your parents will know that what comes out of your mouth is true and that they can trust you in the future.
- Yes, the person next to you who is cheating on their test might get a better grade...but you will sleep well at night knowing that you earned every grade you received and you will learn more than those with the "good grades".
- At some point in life, you will likely have the option of either cheating the government with some loophole in the tax system or doing the right thing. Yes, it could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars...here...but it will also earn you eternal rewards that will please God.
Is living a life of integrity easy? NO! That's why it can be so hard to find such people. But when you do, they are always very respected...by man and by God.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story to their story?
- Start a conversation with a friend by asking them what they think...is something only wrong when you get caught?
- Ask God to help you do the right thing...no matter the circumstance or the cost.
- Be consistent. Over time, your friends will notice that you always speak the truth, make Godly choices and do the right thing...and this will attract them to the One who makes this possible...the One who lives in you.
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