Character And Integrity Equals Success

Is it time for people to take back their integrity and character? The two things that defines success? Wealth and fame mean nothing if the heart is corrupt. Where do you draw the line? Where does God draw the line?

Things You Need:

A Bible & a heart for Jesus

Grab your pen and paper and dust off your Bible. Let’s take a look at how the world views Character and Integrity, then ask ourselves how Jesus would respond. Today could be the day you take back your right to be a Christian and serve God freely!

Have we become compliant, relaxed, indifferent to today’s media, lifestyles, etc. Are you surprised or shocked when your pre-teen asks for a violent video game or when your child asks to see a movie about romantic vampires or killer cars that change into robots? Do we ever stop to question what our teens are seeing, listening to or doing? Have we completely relaxed what we know to be right and wrong? If we have, what are we teaching our children about Character and Integrity?

1. Have you noticed today’s “PG” T.V programs? The world is numb to certain words and phrases. Because of this, many inappropriate words and phrases are considered “PG”. Because of the relaxed views of many adults today, vulgar and inappropriate behaviors are “PG”. The violence that is in “PG” movies is justified because most children experience this everyday in their neighborhoods. Now these “standards” are slipping into “G” rated movies.  Jesus would not be happy with where we have taken the media. He would not be happy with what we’ve done with the gift of technology.

* God’s heart is broken over the things we expose our children to daily. The younger they are exposed, the more accepted the language, violence and media become. Wouldn’t Jesus expose His children to things that lift God and things that are pleasing to God? As Christians, we should take these things to the Bible and see if it is pleasing to God. Take back your Character and Integrity.

*  Psalm 101:2-4, Philippians 4:8, Titus 1:16, 1 Peter 5:8

2. Do we need to share everything we hear with our neighbor, friends, family? If you share more information about others than about yourself, you may have a problem with gossiping. The world can’t get enough of gossip. They have gossip columns in newspapers, Talk-shows on T.V. and even shows like “Gossip Girls” and “TMZ”. The internet is filled with information on everyone. But it isn’t just a world thing. Even churches have gossipping going on in them. Take back your Character and Integrity.

* Leviticus 19:16, Psalm 141:3-4, Proverbs 20:19-20, Proverbs 29:20, Matthew 12:34-35, Colossians 4:6,James 1:26, James 3:6-8, James 4:11, Romans 14:12-13,

3. Teasing and bullying. Since the beginning of time there has been teasing and bullying. Why? Harmless teasing can be fun if it isn’t mean spirited. But what happens when it is taken to extreme or is done with a mean spirit? What happens when teasing turns into bullying? Most bullying takes place because the one doing the bullying is insecure. They bully to make themselves seem tougher or more important. God sees us all as equals and wants us to love, respect and help each other. He wants us to see each other the same way.

*  Luke 6:37-38

4. Judging others. Today, it is common practice for most people to judge others. Most of us take one look at a person and make a snap judgment about who they are and what they are like. “He’s too tall”, “Her hair is too curly”. God says that we will be judged more harshly than we judge others. He warns us not to judge others.

* Deuteronomy 16:18-19,

5. Lying. The size of the lie doesn’t matter. If you have ever told a “little white lie”, you have lied. As humans, it is virtually impossible to tell the truth all the time. It is something we must practice and work at. Why? Because our first instinct is to lie when we fear we will get into trouble, hurt someones feelings, or when we want to keep our children innocent. The world is an ugly place sometimes but God wants us to strive to be honest, even when it seems easier or better to lie.

* Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:3, 11, 12:18-19, 12:22, 19:9; Colossians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:8; 1 John 2:4-6; Job 1:1; Job 8:5-7;

6. Thankfulness. How often do we forget to say “Thanks, God,” for the little things we have? It’s easy to remember to thank God for our meal before we eat. It’s easy for some people to give thanks before going to bed at night or maybe even first thing in the morning. But what about when you get your weekly paycheck? When was the last time you thanked God for your family? For your home? Your job? Your health? The birds? Your bed? Your friend? The list goes on. Everything we see, feel and know are gifts from God. We need to remember God every time we get a blessing, no matter how big or small.

* Colossians 3:15-17; Deuteronomy 8:10; Ezra 3:11; Psalm 18:1-3, 100:4, 105:1, 118:1; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

7. Giving. Are you giving of your time? Money? Resources? Talents? Every thing you have is a gift. As children, part of the joy we get from gifts is sharing them. On Christmas morning, it is twice as much fun to have someone share your new toys with you. It’s the same when you are older. The more you share (give) of yourself, your time, your blessings, etc. the more your enjoy those things. God made us to appreciate things. The best way we can do that is by sharing (giving) to others.

* 1 Chronicles 29:17-18;

MORE SCRIPTURE:

Mark 5:20-21, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:8, Psalm 139:23-24, Matthew 26:41,Philippians 2:14-16; Titus 3:1-2; 2 Samuel 22:21-23; Psalm 15:1-3; Psalm 25:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:11