How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. Proverbs 1:19
I recently did a very informal survey for those who would respond on Twitter. Twitter’s posting format is 140 characters so you have to make focused questions. “Would you rather be a millionaire through dishonest means or getting by with your integrity?” The answers were about 50/50. Hopefully, those reading this would choose the obvious answer, the one with integrity. Would it change the debate if I ended the question with, “and nobody would ever find out how you got it?” Or how about if you found the proverbial suitcase full of fifties and it’s actually in your possession. Here’s what I’m getting at with this. It’s easy to say you’d never ever do something when you’re not actually in the position to do it. It’s a little different when it’s staring you right in the face.
The thing is, we are tem
ted with integrity issues that are far more important than $1 million (anything you would consider a little white lie and stretching the truth comes to mind). In fact, we are probably tempted with them every day. But at the end of the day when we lay our heads on our pillows, we have to live with our thoughts, words, and actions. And a clear conscience and a fitful sleep is worth far more than a mere $1 million.
Integrity is an important issue in our day. It separates you from the “pack.”
Lord Jesus, guard our hearts and minds from these subtle but powreful temptations. May we rely on you for strength to make the right choices dealing with integrity.