Saturday, January 21, 2012

Fifty Cents For Your Integrity


Nancy, a good friend of mine, was telling me about going to the movies when she was young. It cost a dollar to get in unless you were under twelve years old. Then it only cost fifty cents. When Nancy was twelve, she went to the movies. A friend encouraged her mother to say that Nancy was under twelve, because she always looked younger than her age.

Her mother looked at that friend and said, "You would sell your integrity for fifty cents?"  Nancy told me that her parents always believed in and modeled honesty and integrity in the little things as well as the big things.

What are you willing to sell your integrity for? 

A few thousand dollars on your taxes? 

Making out with your boyfriend and going way too far, thus making out with someone else's husband? 

Keeping the few cents that the cashier undercharged you? 

Telling your boss you need a day off because you are sick but you really aren't?

Telling your husband something cost $100 when it really cost $126? 

Work on your integrity in every area of your life. Be excellent in whatever you do.  Obey the laws of the government. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Don't rob the workers of their due. Tip waiters generously. Remember, you reap what you sow!

How much are you willing to sell your integrity for?

Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 
Proverbs 19:1

For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.  
I Peter 3:10-12

Comments (34)

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I love this post! Integrity is something that is lacking in much of society today. I strive for integrity in all aspects of my life (even when I come up short, I do make it right). I am trying to be a good example for my son so that he can grow up living the importance of it. Great post!
Wonderful thought we could all ponder.
Wonderful post! Your character is one of the most important things you have and many times determines the outcome of your ife. Sadly today there are fewer people with integrity. I have always tried to show integrity in everything I do and it has served me well.
Very thought-provoking! Integrity is such a rare quality today (in the general public), that most people are shocked by it!
Great story and a wonderful post!
So well said- I think too many have already sold their integrity for a small price. It's sad & unfortunate.
Wonderful. I had my daughter read this!
This is a good reminder to keep integrity high on our list of spiritual priorities! I agree with June, it is a rare quality ... someone gave $10 over in the amount of change to my husband, not long ago ... once he realized it, he went right back in to the cashier and returned it to her ... she was so thankful, but the others around were shocked that he even came back in! Yes, there certainly needs to be more awareness of how important it really is these days! You said it well here in your post ... thanks for sharing and for the great example in your photo! P.S. This is my first time here from Katie's site. :)
P.P.S. I also wanted to comment on your quote by Debi Pearl. We love them! We used their materials when we were raising our son ... he is now 27, and we still receive their magazine, as well as some of their other books. We coupled theirs with materials from someone you may know of ... Jeff and Marge Barth. Using both of them together was quite helpful as our son was growing up! :)
It truly is so easy to be lazy on the little areas of life, but integrity shouldn't be overlooked at any point. I know that when I don't pay attention to the minor details, I will more likely fudge in the bigger ones too. Great reminder, Lori!
That is so good. I hope to remember it next time I or one of my children need to hear it! Honestly I am forever grateful for this simple help.
Great words of wisdom. Thank you for your obedience in speaking truth.
Several years ago a friend was sharing a similar story about his brother responding to someone encouraging him to say that his son was younger than he was to get a cheaper admission. He said, "My integrity is worth more than $2 (or $5)". I don't remember the amount anymore. But the quote has stuck with my husband & I and it impacted many decisions to follow!!
I really like this -- encouraging us to continue to persevere in becoming more like Christ.
A very wise post! Thank you for writing this.
Beautifully said. I love the visual with the fifty cents. One should try to remember that how you feel about yourself is priceless.
Best,
Jenn from www.justaddwatersilly.com, hopping from inspiration monday.
(newest follower)
what a great story Lori! thanks for sharing :)
Integrity gets really interesting when we noticeably practice it before others, like when we revise a statement to more accurately reflect the truth when we have eliminated or exaggerated. Listen to the amazed reactions! People expect to be lied to!
Great post. I see this all the time. I live near Disneyland and it's free for kids under 2. The gate doesn't check or ask so lots of people get their kids up to 5 in for free.
"You would sell your integrity for fifty cents?" What a wise statement! And is any amount of money or fleeting pleasure worth throwing it away? Good reminders here of the great value of integrity.
Great post!!! thanks for posting! I love the picture of the .50. such a great reminder to have integrity in all areas.
Such good truth. Every decision can either bring glory or condemn. Thank you for encouraging me to make life-giving choices.
I love that!

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