Integrity

Proverbs 20:7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
 
FOR all you parents out there, for all who want to be a mother or father, here is the key to family security. Here’s the simple rule of parenting. Here’s the essential truth of being a good person to guide your children to a secure and good life: You walk with integrity.
   Integrity is about knowing the right way and living into it. Integrity is Jesus, who came to serve and served unto the cross. We can follow him because we know he lived into his Word in the most powerful way possible. The Son of God gave his life unto a bone-crushing cross to demonstrate his love and commitment to you. This is why the apostles would give their lives for him. They knew Jesus’ integrity in the most personal way possible. He had spoken to them of the Kingdom. Then he lived into his Word. The Servant of all is the King of all. You can trust his Word because he has lived it all.
   Integrity is being honest. It is living truthful to your words. Integrity is doing what you say you will do. How many people have you stopped trusting because they lacked integrity? They couldn’t keep their word or complete what they told you they would do. You don’t believe people like that after a while, and you stop listening to them.
   Parents, it is the same with your children. Are they tired of listening to you because you do not live out what you say? Do they see a lack of commitment to them and to your words?          Or can they count on you to be true in word and deed? Can they trust you will live your life with the same words you use to instruct them? When parents faithfully live in their own discipline of their children, they will more likely have children who love and obey them. Here are other proverbs to encourage integrity:

• Proverbs 2:7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
• Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
• Proverbs 2:21 For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.

Parents, you have a mission from  God: Be honest, and do what is right. Here are five essentials to help you: 1) Know your children as people. See how much they love you and learn to love them more. 2) Keep reading Proverbs, even when we move onto other Scriptures. 3) Read the rest if the Bible. 4) Trust what you read. 5) Love your spouse. Show your children how you love and honor one another. They will respect you for that.
   Be honest and do what is right. God will open the door to a great life for you, your family and generations to come.