Who is Quirky PreacherRichD-Honesty & Integrity

Honesty and Integrity

I believe as Christ Followers we should be people of integrity and honesty. We should put honesty above our reputation. That means if being honest causes some disrespect so be it. That means if being honest gets you into trouble so be it. (I am working on this one in some realms of my life, I certainly have not perfected it.) I am consumed with being a person of honesty and integrity. It drives me. Most likely to a place of unhealthiness. (I will be sharing about that.)

We should be people of our word. Our yes be yes, no be no. We should not speak half-truths.

We all have some shortcomings, some things we have no control over. For example, we have no control who were our parents, our past is our past, our genetic appearance, etc. However, we have full control if we will be a person of honesty and integrity.

Proactive

Honesty and integrity does not come by happenstance. Through the grace of God we have the ability to be a person of honesty and integrity. Thus we should be people of truth and not give excuses. We all fall short, so when we fall short we repent, not lie. When we do lie, we repent. If we fall short, do not repent, and are called out, we come clean.

My Problem

Because of all of the above I have an extremely high standard for honesty and integrity for myself and others. But sadly, I fall short at times, I am a hypocrite. When it comes to others, all of us fall short of being people of honesty and integrity. So if honesty and integrity is my standard I will find myself frustrated and angry at times.

Another problem is that a lack of honesty and integrity leads me to a path of distrust. Since so many people seem to not have a problem with lying, I have a problem with trusting people. My wife Carmi will say I have no problem giving people the benefit of the doubt, in fact she says I do it too much, especially with strangers. BUT in the midst of giving the benefit of the doubt I am very suspicious.

Frustration

I forget others, maybe even most, do not have the standard I have set for myself AND others. (I believe the Bible sets the standard for ALL Christians.) At times I get way too frustrated with half-truths, lying and deception by those who call themselves Christians. If people lie to me, especially when they know I know they are lying to me, it takes me to a path of anger. Sadly, so many times I think I have a handle on this but then I fall into the trap of anger all over again. Did I say I hate lying and deception by Christians? I especially hate deception and lying by leaders of any sort.

Solution

The solution is not to lower my standard, the standard comes from God not me. The solution is to keep my standard but realize other do not have the standard and that ALL of us fall short. The solution is to find the balance between standing for what is right and mercy.

Be Aware

Be aware if I seem rigid when it comes to honesty and integrity, it is because I am rigid. I give little leeway regarding dishonesty and lack of integrity.

My next topic will be TRUTH.

Bible Verses
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

2 Corinthians 8:21
For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.

Proverbs 19:1
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Matthew 5:37
Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Luke 12:2
Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

Proverbs 28:18
Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

Who is Quirky PreacherRichD?

Introduction
Honesty & Integrity