Truth is the ground on which to stand

George Washington once 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.”

•Do you live by a code of super-honesty?

•Are you true to your word?

•In your personal or business life, do you stand up for what is truth?

•And no matter the cost, do you refuse to steal or lie?

We only have one life to live, so let’s make it one of supreme moral courage. In my book, The Open Window, I wrote about a great example of integrity. It comes from a story I like about young Theodore Roosevelt.

In his early years as a rancher out West, Roosevelt and some of his ranchhands were rounding up stray cattle. It was purported that the ranch-hand wandered onto a neighbor’s property where they found an unbranded calf. By 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 that ranch-hand, “Why are you doing that?” And 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.”

Times change, but truth remains constant. “With integrity, nothing else matters. Without integrity, nothing else matters.” Sir Winston Churchill. Therefore, make today the day of decision. From this moment forward, walk through every minute taking a stand for what is right. Ask yourself, “What are the principles upon which my life is built?” Jot down those principles in a daybook and live those good values.

When God created you, He gave you special, oneof-a-kind abilities, talents and extraordinary gifts. So don’t forget your great worth. Your life is full of countless possibilities. There is only one of you. And your good example may help others to find their way in life.

Thus, remain determined not to let anything keep you from God’s very best plan for your future. Stand for truth and righteousness. Make decisions prayerfully. Always travel the high road and continue being a person of honor and excellence.

There is so much in front of you. Hence, do not be satisfied with just casual standards. Go the extra mile and make good choices. Courage is always doing the right thing.

Awhile ago, a brave young man wrote to me and described how he had been struggling with a dependency on drugs. Although he enjoyed a great upbringing, wrong associations contributed to his addictions. First, it was drinking with the crowd, yielding to unrighteous peer pressure and then it was drugs and pills. Soon, his life was falling apart, and he did not know where to turn.

We must each be cautious of whomwe trust, being wise enough to consider others’ moral fiber thoroughly before confiding or trusting 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.

Yet, thankfully, the young man began therapy, and he explained how through earnest prayer, the Lord filled his life with new hopes and aspirations. He realized that he was not defined by his past, and that he still had a bright future for which to live. Boldly going forth and feeling God

was by his side, the young man had the courage to persevere and, thus, prevailed over his circumstances. Saved by God’s grace, he was pulled out of that bondage, and he began to experience a peace and a happiness that he had never known before. “Even when I felt like giving up,” he wrote, “God did not give up on me.”

Today, this young man is free from his addictions. He has made new friends, and he’s a counselor helping others who are going through similar situations.

No matter who you are, or regardless of what you have been through, you are called to do great things. It doesn’t matter how impossible your situation appears to be or how long it takes. Keep your integrity, and your time of victory will come. Your dreams can transpire. So do not let anyone or anything steal your honor, your peace of mind and God-inspired aspirations. Remember, your past is no hindrance to God’s saving grace for “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” (Psalms 145:18).

It is never too late to ask for mercy, to turn your back on past disappointments or mistakes and begin afresh and anew. So, “Reject every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). For God who loves you is work- ing right now on your behalf and is “going before you and making the crooked places straight.” (Isaiah 45:2-3). 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).

In your personal, spiritual and business life, be on the side of right. I’ve heard it said, “You can never go wrong doing the right thing, because the right thing is always right.”

Listen to your still, small voice and trust and seek God. Put Him in first place and thank Him for what He has done for you. And as you do, God will send His blessings in even greater quantities to you.

Truth is the ground on which to stand. So choose this day whom you will serve. “But as for me and my family, we shall serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).