Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Integrity or Dishonesty


Photo Credit: Waterfalls Wallpaper

 
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
      But he who perverts his ways will become known. 
Proverb 10:9 NKJV [emphasis added]

I remember as a child one day I broke something then hid it, so my parents would not know. Of course, they found the broken item and inquired with me about it. Thinking I would be in trouble, I replied, “My sisters broke it and hid it.” My parent believing what I told them was truth, disciplined my sisters. Not long afterward Mom and Dad found out the truth. I tell you I received the worst spanking I ever got for that one. Of course, my sisters were not too happy with me either. It was not me breaking this thing which brought discipline, but my dishonesty. My incident here is a perfect example for Proverb 10:9. I perverted my way and I was found out. If I was honest to begin with, all would have been well. No punishment, no upset sisters. My parents would have respected my honesty.

Integrity, See the definition from Dictionary.com below:

in·teg·ri·ty [in-teg-ri-tee]
noun
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English integrite  < Latin integritās. See integer, -ity

1.  rectitude, probity, virtue. See honor.

1.  dishonesty.  

Integrity. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved January 03, 2012, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Integrity [emphasis added]


A part of the definition for “integrity” is “honesty.” That is, speaking the truth and being who you say you are. In our fallen, sinful state, the temptation is strong to avoid the consequences for our actions. We want to cover up our transgressions through dishonesty. Sometimes we seek gain through dishonesty. However, how does this affect our relationships with other people? We lose peoples trust. We may even become a suspect at times even when we are innocent.

How does dishonesty affect our relationship with God? We are to worship God in “spirit and truth.” How can we worship God in spirit and truth when we are dishonest? We pray, and our prayers just bounce off the ceiling. Maybe we do not pray at all. Then we lose that precious communion with God.

How does dishonesty affect our relationship with ourselves? Oh yes we can be dishonest with ourselves. Maybe we have a drinking or anger problem we refuse to admit and continue on without seeking help. This may not only hurt ourselves, but also harm people dear to us.

Just something to think about, one act of dishonesty may cause others to lose their trust in you. Is dishonesty worth it? There will be a price to pay.

12 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Ken!

    It certainly isn't worth losing others' trust in us; the way that others will perceive my character will always be determined by the kind of life they see me living. When others look at my style and disposition, I want to leave an impression of a Godly woman, so that others will be drawn to Him by my behavior. Our reputations are valuable, and we should guard them with our life! :)

    Blessings and hugs,
    Denise

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  2. Hi Ken,
    This is really good and so true!
    dishonesty is not worth it, ever. The consequences and the hurt caused by it are high.

    God bless,
    <><

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  3. I believe that our integrity needs to be protected at all times.
    I have learned that it is always best to be honest about our faults, and honest to God regarding our sins- He knows our hearts anyway.
    I did almost the exact thing when I was little (to my brother), and I still remember how bad I felt about myself also. Not only do we lose the trust of others, but we lose some confidence in ourselves as well.

    Thank God he forgives us, but it's not always as easy to be forgiven or trusted again by other people.
    I bet your sisters tried to get even didn't they? My brother did!

    “For he has made him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we MIGHT BE MADE the righteousness of God IN HIM
    2 Corinthians 5:21

    ~God Bless~
    Lisa

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  4. thank you for that pointed reminder.

    www.wayfarersquest-rsctt.blogspot.com

    www.wayfarersquest.com

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  5. Dishonesty is not nice. I had a younger brother who often got me into trouble and never owned up. My mother never find out either... I am glad your parents did find out. It has made you a better person for it. On the other hand, my brother is very self rightious and I don't trust him. We leave a legacy by our actions. Have a Happy New year Ken and I pray this is a better one all around for you and your new wife. God bless.

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  6. Excellent post! thank you for sharing.

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  7. Amazing post! Great wisdom you have here! Anyway you're invited to follow my blog at Christ is livin'.. Hope to see you around! :D

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  8. I heard a preacher once say, the worse kind of deception is when you lie to yourself. That got me thinking and to examine myself. Post like these are great for self examination and growth!

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  9. This is such a good post! And needed!!

    Integrity. Now THAT is a word that people disdain and mock today. They call it 'legalistic' and 'strict' and 'zealous'. But in my opinion, integrity is nothing more than living what you say you believe.

    Thanks for the reminder,
    Deb

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  10. This is a good post. Something to seriously consider!

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  11. Dishonesty is never worth it. God bless you.

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  12. Dishonesty is never worth it. The cost always, always far outweighs the temporary avoidance of punishment. What we pay is the loss of trust.

    And that is why I think it's very important to be honest with God, too. We're not fooling Him anyway when we're not honest. All we do is thwart and stymie communication with Him. And often, the guilty conscience of dishonesty just plugs up the pipes of Him blessing us.

    Honesty is important - absolutely. And integrity - living the way we believe - is priceless. We must resemble our Lord. Anything less tarnishes His image for others.

    That is a price TOO HIGH to pay.

    GOD BLESS!

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