A child’s dignity is precious.
Yet if a parent’s character is compromised through risky situations, that precious gift of dignity will be attacked by the highest bidder. Mission to Children’s September newsletter highlighted this problem example through a story about a girl named Maria. You can read Maria’s character scenario here. Building character is today’s work—life, dignity, and hope are at risk if we aren’t vigilant.
Yet the story of Maria doesn’t have to have a bad ending. There is a solution. But how will they learn to do what is right without a teacher—without a living example?
As Christians we solely trust in the righteousness of Jesus Christ to absolve us of our sins and to empower us for godly living. We are works in progress, but we are still living testimonies of Christ’s redemptive work.
You’ve possibly heard the quote, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” Join us this month and learn about integrity.
Integrity Corner
What is integrity? “Showing that I can be trusted to do what is right and say what is true.”
An opposite word is deceitfulness: “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
Why should we care about Integrity?
Integrity gives us a clear conscience, reduces deceitfulness, and builds trust between people.
How does a person demonstrate Integrity?
With Honesty, Sincerity, Purity, Virtue, and Fairness.
Integrity quotes
“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” (French Proverb)
“Let integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You.” (Psalm 25:21)
“Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” (William Penn)
“Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” (Psalm 86:11)
“Prefer a loss to a dishonest gain; the one brings pain at the moment, the other for all time.” (Chilton)
“Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” (Psalm 51:6)
Making it personal
How is my integrity being tested now?
How might my integrity or lack of integrity affect my effectiveness?
How will I strengthen my integrity in the coming month?
News: We Work and Pray, God Multiplies
Ripple effects continue in 2013 from an initiative we started in 2008: Character Solutions India. This initiative “officially” lasted 3 years. Now God is multiplying the results and the effect is being felt throughout India. We are now working together with World Vision India to train youth and adults in our character values.
In May 2013, working together with World Vision India, we trained 6,100 children, youth, and World Vision staff. 5,500 of these were children, youth, and women living in the slums.
In July 2013, together with World Vision India, we trained 3,050 youth and community leaders, plus World Vision staff in principles of godly character.
Each region has an ongoing strategy to continue Character Solutions training month by month to influence entire communities with these principles from God’s Word.
Will you pray that these endeavors will bring great glory to God?
