Dear Lord; Good evening Father!
Following yesterday’s discussion Father, I thought I’d continue with further insight I’ve derived from the Book of Numbers. While many verses lead me to contemplate, ponder and draw lessons from them, there are others that are less… subtle. Such is the beginning passage from Numbers 30:
“Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: “This is what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”” – Numbers 30:1-2 (NIV)
Now Lord, this may seem to be an obvious directive to follow in everyday life, but I see this command skirted nearly every day in some way. As a society, I think it’s become apparent that although we all know trust, honor and honesty are qualities that should be valued and maintained, in far too many cases we all fall short to a great degree.
The news media is filled with stories of lies, dishonesty and unethical behavior almost daily.
The “Art of the Deal” is held by many to be more important than integrity.
Cheating on your spouse is very often portrayed as “dangerous and sexy” by TV and movies.
Popular media focuses on finding “gray areas” of behavior, rather than condemning improper choices.
Instead of being able to rely on someone’s word, we fill the coffers of lawyers and are forced to “cover ourselves”.
Heavenly Father, please help focus me to make correct and proper choices each day in accordance with Your Word. Guide me to be an ethical and moral person, and to bring that perspective to my children as well.
“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” – W. Clement Stone
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Amen!!! I want to be a woman of integrity.
I have no doubt that you are Lisa!
Have a Blessed Day!
This message is so needed in today’s world. The divorce rate clearly shows that marriage vows are taken lightly, as though they were nothing more than a skit performed for an audience. The foundation of family is crumbling for this reason, and subsequently the nation. If the foundations be destroyed…
It is a bit scary, isn’t it Debra? We’ve seen more than a few couples take amazingly selfish positions and use them to justify divorce. I’m very Blessed in that Shannon and I are extremely committed to our marriage.
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post. I want to be a woman of integrity as well,
I have no doubt that you are Jenifer. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Complications are one of the enemy’s greatest tools. Your words remind me to simplify and just live for Christ. Thanks…
Amen Rich, I agree completely. Thanks for the comment!
Have a Blessed Day!
This is such a relivent post. I think my little world is sheltered a bit from some of this, but I see the moral breakdown in my husbands work… not him, but his clients and just people he deals with. We’ve discussed this a lot actually and determined that there is such a huge difference even between business integrity and godly integrity. The God-centered business man has a lot to deal with these days… but he’s got the best partner! Great post!
Thank you Heidi! It’s truly scary some of the perspectives I see each day from clients, vendors and people in general in this respect. All we can do is work diligently to keep ourselves focused on God’s Word, and pray for those who take alternate paths.
Have a Blessed Day!