The Integrity of the Incredible Family
Honesty – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Colossians 3:5-10

Key Verse:  Colossians 3:9

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

“Just tell them I’m not here.”  Have you ever told your child to say that to someone who wanted to talk to you on the phone?  It may seem like a small issue but every day our integrity is tested.  When we allow these lies to exist in our homes, our children learn to lie from us.  Someone wrote that we learn everything we know from modeling, except potty training and sexual behavior.  Modeling is a powerful tool in the training process!

            Our homes must be sanitized from the little failures in integrity.  Being honest is a cornerstone of a home of integrity.  Parents soon learn they can give their toddlers a promise that they never intend to keep because these little ones easily forget future events.  That builds a shaky foundation for integrity.  When we are loose with the truth, we form patterns that can easily continue as they get older.  (Later, they don’t so easily forget promises made!)

            Honesty in all our communications is essential for any relationship to grow.  Husbands that lie to their wives because they want to avoid conflict soon are caught in their lies.  These lies do far more damage to the relationship than the original conflict would have done.  Wives, over the years, have all agreed that nothing damages their hearts more than finding out their husband has lied to them.  (Continued)

Father, grant me the courage to be honest even when it may cause conflict.   Help me to be a person of integrity.  In Jesus’ name, amen.