Teaching integrity even in the small things

Recently we have had discussions here in autismland about being in the world but not of the world.  It boils down to even if it's an accepted practice in society ,unless it's biblical , it's wrong and a sin.  Little white lies are no different than big lies in God's eyes.  All sins are equal. Big or small.  It's a hard concept for children to grasp.  Adults too.

Since we are so vocal about our faith, we need to be above reproach.  We need to make integrity a cornerstone of our character.  We, as Christians , need to do the right thing even when no one is looking or it's inconvenient. That's the lesson we are working on right now. 

I'll give you a couple of examples that have recently happened to us.  One is bringing food into the movie theater.  Theater size candy was on sale recently at Walgreens for $.79.  It sells for several dollars in the actual theater.  BUT there is a large sign on the door when you walk in that says no outside food or beverage allowed.  It would be easy to put the candy in my purse and sneak it in.  Cheaper too.  This is not the lesson that I want my children to see. I want them to witness me following the rules even when it's more expensive and not in vogue with the rest of the world.  I want my actions and character to glorify God in all that I do. He blesses that obedience.  Recently I was given movie theater gift cards out of the blue that were the exact price of the candy that I had purchased. 

Another one, and this one is sorta hard for me especially when I am running late, is the speed limit.  I hate being late.  Like fingernails on a chalkboard hate it.  Unfortunately  the rest of the family doesn't share my loathing of lateness.  It would be perfectly acceptable  by the world's standards to speed down the road to get to church faster. But God calls us to obey authority.  That means doing the speed limit when traffic is speeding by you.  I must confess that it is easier to keep to the speed limit when you think of it as a God thing.  Cruise control helps too.

Now, there are times when telling the truth will not be popular. When a new mom says her baby is cute and he really isn't, you really can't tell her that.  She'll put you on the floor.  You can find something to compliment without telling a lie.  Maybe he's ugly but has cute shoes.  Or the bow in her hair is so nice.  The conversation can be steered elsewhere without you telling a lie ( the baby in question may grow up to be quite handsome or beautiful.  Kinda like my nephew who really resembled Big Bird as a baby.)

Let me real here and tell you that I fall short often.  I have answered "no, that outfit doesn't make you look fat."  when she looks like a beached  whale. I have told the ugly baby mom that her kid is cute.  I have hid candy in my purse so I didn't have to buy it at the theater.  I'm not perfect.  I never will be for that matter.  What is important is that I strive to be a person of integrity and honesty at all times and all costs.   So if you see me speeding down the road , you will know that I caved in that time. Thankfully, God extends me grace when I fall short which is daily.  This is no reason to not be obedient .  I still have to be obedient even when His grace is sufficient. I will tell you that the Holy Spirit has been convicting me strongly about this concept. 

The point here is simple.  If we teach our children obedience to God at all costs as a child then they won't struggle with it as much as an adult.  It will be ingrained in them.  This is no exception.  People around you will see that you are different and ask why you do it that way.  Or make fun of you for doing it that way which happens more time than not.  This then opens the door to tell them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the most important thing anyway.