There was a bus driver who collected a man's fare and gave him back too much change. As the man was leaving the bus he counted his change and went back to the bus driver. "You gave me too much change," he said. The bus driver replied, "I did it on purpose. I saw you preach yesterday and wanted to see if you walked what you talked."
What a story and great example of the definition of honesty and integrity.
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
~Ephesians 4:25
Why do you think God expresses Himself so strongly about lying? I honestly had to sit for a minute and think about that question. I mean shouldn't we lie if we don't want to hurt someone's feelings? Or what about when we don't want to get in trouble? Little white lies are okay, right? No.
Lying only hurts you and those you are lying to. AND when you start lying it's like you can't stop! You lie to cover up the first lie and then comes the domino effect.
Honesty and integrity protect us. Proverbs 19:5 tells us that a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Proverbs 19:9 takes it a step further by saying he that speaketh lies shall perish. GEEZ!
Some people lie to get gain. What happens to them? The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death (Proverbs 21:6). Something to think about, huh?
Do you know the story of Ananias and Sapphira (read Acts 5:1-10). Basically they sold a possession and were supposed to give the money to the apostles'-all of the money. They kept part of it thinking they were just lying to Peter, but they were really lying to the Holy Ghost (God). Eventually they both gave up the ghost (died). Let's not find ourselves in that situation.
Living an honest life and one of integrity begins with recognizing that God is omipresent. He is everywhere and he sees and knows everything. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It's also the beginning of living a honest life.
Integrity is what is demonstrated when nobody is watching. Allow me to close my eyes for a moment...what are you doing?
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