I imagine this is a common phenomenon when a teacher prepares a lesson only to be schooled by that lesson? My pastor handed me a book to use for the next 7 weeks to teach a group of middle school kids called "Deadly Viper, Character Assasins". We started today and had some great discussion about how little things, small decisions chip away at our character leading us, often, to a place we thought we'd never be. Looking forward to our next conversation I began reading and thinking about honesty.
Well actually the opposite is true; I began thinking about lying. People lie. I lie. We lie for a number of reasons but the base reason is to cover or hide some truth that is uncomfortable for us to admit or confront. I am amazed as I think about the number of times I've lied without even thinking and for really no significant reason, then what do you do? Admit that you lied? Keep going? Is it really important? Sure it is important when you talking about "big" things like cheating on your spouse or seeing who stole the cell phone etc. but what about the little things like the nod in a conversation that says you know something you don't really know or the slight exaggeration that makes a story more interesting. I didn't intend to say that or imply this but I did, so now do I lie on purpose to keep from embarrassing myself or do I come clean? I want to have a trustworthy character, which shows greater character? Even if no one ever found out that I lied where does this compromise lead?
Honesty isn't just about what I say or imply. What I don't say or admit can be just as damaging. The authors of this book point out that it is vital to my character that I have someone I can and WILL be totally open and honest with about my struggles, my thoughts and my temptations. The truth will set me free. I know from experience that I have to tell someone (usually Gary) when I am fighting against destructive thoughts and when I do I take their power over me away. The same is true about other stuff but I frequently find myself "hiding" some weakness only to have it bite me later. Why do I do this? I could give you all kinds of excuses but the truth is a mixture of fear, denial and laziness. I'm afraid to face my "demons" or admit them to anyone; I deny the depth of my need for an honest friend and I don't put out the effort needed to foster that friendship. I am very aware of the evil that lurks in the shadows of dishonesty. I think I am being given a warning today, another gracious reminder from my loving Father of what is good for me and my mind is echoing with the Scripture: "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. "(James 4:17 ESV) Sigh. It looks like I have some work to do.
Welcome!
- Kathy Unger Marshall
- Dallas, GA, United States
- As a wife, mother of three and a full-time employee Kathy is well acquainted with the struggles to maintain balance, a right attitude, contentment and health in the midst of chaos. All the hectic times in her life, including seven major moves and five minor ones have served to reinforce her dependence on the only anchor she has found to hold her steady through the years; Jesus. Kathy writes of her personal journeys through the pages of scriptures, deserts of dryness, showers of blessings, the darkness of depression and the bright days of joy. She speaks of all she has learned about herself and her God in these journeys with the hope that her experiences will serve to encourage other women, who are fighting these same battles to stand strong.
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