Integrity

Since it is Mother's day – would your mother be proud of the way you handled yourself with that money on the table?

Pro 3.27, 28

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”

integrity- (W) The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness (remember soundness in using wisdom with discretion? Pro 3.21, 24) or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property, and agencies (help) for others.

SS – Lost and Found

Tyrone likes to take the shortcut through the woods on his way home from school. He always finds some interestgin bug or rock to inspect along the way. He watches the chipmunks and squirrells scurrying. Once, he even surprised a deer on the way. The other kids don't get to see that walking along the sidewalk. Sometimes his friends will join him, but usually Tyrone walks home by himself.

Today, Tyrone stayed after school to finish a project for the teacher. He hurries home now through the woods. He doesn't stop to look around because he doesn't want to be late for his piano lesson. But he can't help shuffling through the leaves – it makes such a wonderful sound. As he shuffles along, he kicks up something that clatters along the path. Stopping to pick it up, he sees that it is an expensive gold pen, similar to the one his friend recently bought. What fortune! Tyrone thinks he needs a new pen. What do you think Tyrone should do?

• Should he, take the pen to the school lost and found?
• Keep the pen and see I his friends mentions it.
• Take the pen to his friend to see if he lost it?
• Leave the pen in the woods, hidden behind a tree. If no one finds it, he can keEt it.
• Keep the pen and sell it?

Read Prov 3.23, 28 again to help you decide.

DISCUSSION:

• Why should Tyrone take the pen and show it to his friend?

• What could happen if Tyrone delays in showing his friend the pen?
• If you were to find a valuable item, what could you do to find the owner?

Delaying to do good is inconsiderate and unfair. If it is in your power to act, whether it's repaying a loan, returning a lost item, or fulfilling a promise, do what you can without delay. Be as eager to do good as you are eager for people to do good to you.