What values do you want to pass on to your children? How well does your life reflect your core values?
Websters dictionary defines integrity as:
1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2. an unimpaired condition : soundness
3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
My daughter is in the home stretch of her first year of college and she recently sent me this email that I wanted to share with you. Why, you may ask? …well because its a testament to her character as she demonstrates integrity by living it out. Although I walk this thing called life out imperfectly, this email was an acknowledgement, a glimpse, that a core value has been passed on…and honestly, it brought tears of joy to my eyes. Yeah God!!!
Hey Dad,
I got this e-mail from my Criminology professor this morning. The story behind it is early in the week we had a substitute and we were watching a movie. We got an assignment in the beginning of class (having to do with the movie) but I knew I could do it at home because the information was online so I left class, figuring the substitute doesn’t know who I am anyways. When I went to the next class on Wednesday, professor Chi*** was in and she told the class that five people left and she knew who they were and we needed to put a star on our assignment saying we didn’t stay, and she told us we were losing credit for the class and losing 20 points off our paper. So clearly that decision was regretted but I starred my paper and handed it in. Turns out no one else that left starred their paper, so she e-mailed me this.
I sent this to you because you have always taught Jo** and I the importance of honesty and integrity. I know that you are already proud and this is in no way a form of bragging, but just showing you that you have taught me well and you’re such an amazing Dad. I know this is a small example but every time I see the word integrity I think of you. That’s my dads word, and that’s the word that she used to describe me and my actions, and I thought you would want to see how well you have taught me, and that although at time I know it may not seem like it, I do listen to what you say, it does sink in, and I do learn from you.
Love you!
When it comes to integrity in today’s world, more and more people feel that they can get away with “anything” as long they don;t get caught. Take a moment and scan through the daily news headlines and you will see that that people’s intent to hide the dark side of their character isn’t working out too well. Even though our values, as a society, seem to be losing ground — people who choose to gamble with their character are still being watched, and still being found out.
Your children are always watching you, so dad’s and mom’s…be a living example for your kids! Remember, when character and integrity come into play, someone is always watching!
He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. -Proverbs 10:9 (NASB)
