Don’t let anything keep you from God’s best
Sir Winston Churchill once said: “With integrity, nothing else matters. Without integrity, nothing else matters.”
We only have one life to live, so let’s make it one of supreme moral courage. A great example of integrity comes from a story I like about young Theodore Roosevelt. In his early years as a rancher out West, Roosevelt and some of his ranch-hands were rounding up stray cattle. It was purported that the ranchhands wandered onto a neighbor’s property where they found an unbranded calf. By the Western tradition, the calf belonged to the neighbor. But one of Roosevelt’s cowboys started to tie up the calf and put the Roosevelt brand on it.
Roosevelt saw what he was doing and asked the ranchhand, “Why are you doing that?” The worker replied, “It’s gonna be your calf, boss.” Incensed, Roosevelt said to the man immediately, “You’re fired. A man who will steal for me will steal from me.”
Make today the day of decision. From this moment forward, walk through every minute of your life taking a stand for what is right. Do not be satisfied with just casual standards. Go the extra mile and make good choices. Courage is always doing the right thing. George Washington declared, “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
• Live by a code of super-honesty.
• Be true to your word.
• Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• Stand up for what is truth.
• Adhere to straight moral values.
• Have the courage to say, “No.”
You can create a stronger self through personal integrity. When faced with a decision or problem, take a walk outdoors and search your heart for answers. Before proceeding, ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do?” and follow what your heart says. “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, and incline your heart to understanding.” Proverbs 2:2.
Some time ago, a young man wrote to me and described how he had been struggling for years with a dependency on drugs. Although he enjoyed a great upbringing, wrong associations contributed to his addictions. He went against what he knew in his heart was right. First, it was drinking with the crowd, then drugs and pills. Soon, the young man’s life was falling apart, and he did not know where to turn. He was abandoning all hope. This young man had no strength to press ahead.
Thankfully, he began rehabilitation, and he explained how the Lord filled his life with hopes and aspirations. He listened to the inner promptings of his heart; he received much needed help; was pulled out of that bondage; and was saved by God’s grace. He wrote, “Even when I felt like giving up, God did not give up on me.” Today, this young man tells that he is free from his addictions. He has formed new relationships, and he’s working as a counselor using his past experiences to help others who are going through similar situations.
Be cautious of whom you trust, being wise enough to consider others’ moral fiber thoroughly before confiding in them. You’re far too precious to be manipulated, pulled down and controlled. Distracters can get you off track and keep you from moving ahead to achieve your full potential.
When God created you, He gave you special abilities and gifts. Don’t forget your great worth. There is only one of ‘you.’ So, do not let anyone or anything steal your honor, your peace of mind and God-inspired aspirations. Be bound and determined to live your best life. You have something wonderful to offer to this world, that no one else possesses.
Years back, my family and I went on a trip to California. Never being on an airplane before, out of the blue, my keen daughter, uttered, “Mommy, I want that man to be our pilot.”
Curious, I questioned, “What man are you talking about, honey?” She answered quickly, “The man who landed the airplane on water!” In awe at her insight, smiling, I said, “Oh, Mr. Sullenberger. Yes, I’d like him as our pilot, too!” When you try your best, when you live with excellence and integrity, people, even little children, take notice!
In your personal, spiritual and business life, be on the side of right. Listen to your still, small voice and trust and seek God. Put Him first place, and thank Him for what He has done for you. And as you do,
God will pour out His blessings in even greater portions. He will guide your path and “Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20). God can “restore you to health and heal your wounds.” (Jeremiah 30:17). For, “He is with you always.” (Matthew 28:20).
Something great is coming your way. Be ready for it. Believe it is right around the corner, because it is. You have not seen anything yet. Your day of victory is at hand. Have faith to believe it’s possible, and you’ll be astounded at the blessings God has in store for you.