Honesty and Integrity - Part 2

“HI” Has a New Reference
“HI” is what we are to be … let’s take the common greeting of “HI” and let it be a daily reminder to mean Honesty and Integrity. Honesty seems to be uncommon in the day to day of politics and all levels of sports.  We’ve come a long way from “Honest Abe” and “George Washington’s cherry tree” in every area of our society. Integrity is also a strong word that carries the imagery of the strength (psi) of steel - specifically rebar.
 
The Bible standard is “HI” … “let your yes be yes and your no be no”, James 5:12.  The Bible is honest in declaring the very nature and character of God and man’s integrity. Honesty about our sin nature and the integrity of Christ’s blood to cleanse us allows you and me to be honest and exhibit integrity.
 
Today, we have a “what’s in it for me” mentality which compromises our “HI.” Countries, businesses and teams all rise and fall based on honesty and integrity.   We, as parents, are no different. How honest are we with our taxes, spiritual disciplines, friends and family – hmmm, to be sure, our children know. Our children desperately need and desire true humility, honesty and integrity. It is the rebar of their faith and standards that they have learned directly from us.
 
Honestly, we cannot make it without God. The scriptures remind us that our hearts are wicked and that we cannot be trusted (Proverbs 21:4; Isaiah 53:6, Luke 6:45.) Our integrity must be built upon Christ’s. Jesus is the “same yesterday, today and forever” Hebrews 13:8. Isn’t this freeing? It’s not ours but His. It’s exchanged grace, love, mercy, power from the Heaven’s throne room to the throne of our heart.
 
Parents, just as we receive exchanged “HI” from above our kids get . Wow, what a privilege, duty and honor. God’s Word is our lifeline.

 

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Camper Corner
 
Honesty and Integrity cannot be bought, faked or found in Happy Meals or Cracker Jacks. It’s a matter of the heart. Proverbs 4:23,  "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it," is true.   “White lies” grow and do not stay idle for they have to keep covering themselves with another lie. Save yourself heartache and keep your reputation by allowing it to be God’s as you live in the Truth from the Truth. Check out Psalm 112:7 and Proverbs 12:20.