"Mr. Lincoln... is almost monomaniac on the subject of honesty.“ Mary Todd Lincoln "He believed in the great laws of truth, the right discharge of duty, his accountability to God, the ultimate triumph of the right, and the overthrow of wrong.“ Leonard Swett
A survey of 29,760 HS students: 30% admitted stealing from a store within the past year 23% stole something from a parent or relative 20% stole something from a friend
Regarding lying 42% said they lie to save money 83% said they lied to a parent
Regarding cheating: 64% cheated on a test in a year 38% cheated two or more times
When they concluded on themselves: 93% said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character 77% said that when it comes to doing what is right, they are better than most 25% of these students admitted lying on at least one question in the survey!
This is not a problem with youth Youth problems are “trickle down” issues “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge”
Honesty is a manner of Living Job 31:5-8 : Integrity Dealing on the “up and up” Defrauding no one of any thing Never seeking to deceive
Dishonesty is a manner of living To better myself Selfishness Covetousness and Materialism
Everyone does it They deserve it I deserve it
Dishonesty Destroys Reputations Reputation: A Good Name A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold Proverbs 22:1
Dishonesty Destroys Reputations Reputation: A Good Name Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation 1 Peter 2:12
Dishonesty Destroys Reputations Proverbs 16:11 Honest weights and scales are the LORD'S; All the weights in the bag are His work.
Relationships depend on trusting Job 31:1-8 “If you marry a man who cheats on his wife, you'll be married to a man who cheats on his wife” - Ann Landers
Ephesians 4:24-29 Putting away lying Speak truth with his neighbor Steal no longer Work with the intent to share Let no corrupt word leave your mouth
Directions to Eternal Life Hearing the Word of God Romans 10:17 Believing the Divinity of God Mark 16:16 Confession of Jesus Christ Romans 10:9 Repentance of Immorality Acts 2:38 Baptism to Change Morality Acts 22:16