Teaching Integrity by Your Example
By Tom Arn
Having integrity means that one will have a strong moral principle. One will do what is right, whether seen or unseen at all times.
It is very common for fathers to tell their children what they can and cannot do. That is an expected thing and must be done. However, very often fathers will tell their children not to do something and then go and do it themselves.
One example I had done for a number of years with my first four children was what movies I was willing to watch. I watched movies that had foul language in them, sometimes a sex scene (though very rarely) and much violence. I would tell my children that those movies were not good for them.
As I matured in the Lord, I began to realize that I was not being a man of integrity with my children, or for anyone for that matter. I was saying one thing, but doing another.
In reality, I do not NEED to see any movie that dishonors God’s commands and calls evil ‘good’. All that those movies do is turn my heart away from God to the things and ways of this world. It brought on anger or fear that was not from God.
A verse that helped begin to guide me to different thinking on this is: I will be careful to l lead a blameless life–when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. Psalm 101:2 (NIV)
Another verse that helped my thinking is: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
With these verses, I want to ask, how are you leading your house? What are you thinking, watching, saying and doing?
If you are telling your children one thing, but doing another, are you really being a man of integrity? Will your children be able to respect you or follow you?
I have since stopped watching most movies that I would not allow my children to see. I challenge you to be a man of integrity. Let your words and actions always be of God’s high moral standards, not the standards of this world.
Tom Arn has ministered in many facets of the church, from children’s pastor, senior pastor, and currently as a Sunday School Teacher. He has General Ministries Degree. He began with short devotional Bible studies on his blog, Insights From Tom in 2014. He travels through each book of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and section-by-section, writing what God places on his heart at the time.
Tom is happily married for 30 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. Together they share with everyone how God has blessed them with eight children and one precious grandchild. He desires that God may richly bless you, and make you more like Jesus everyday, drawing you closer to Him.
Feature Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Psalm 101:2 is tough, at least for me. It is a reminder to understand that the unsaved world is watching our actions regarding our faith. Am I walking my talk? Are my son and grandchildren encouraged by my lifestyle and actions or are they confused and resistant because I am not being true to my confessed faith? Your post convicted me this day, and I have posted the verses quoted as daily reminders. Blessings and thanks!
Beautiful thoughts, Craig! I pray we will all be convicted to search our hearts and discover where we can can improve out walk and our example before our children and grandchildren.
I agree with you also that this is a tough verse to live by. I have to constantly be checking myself and seeking God in this area. It is good to post the verses as reminders. Have a blessed day in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.