Key Bible Verse: "Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception" (Proverbs 8:6-7). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 11:1-6

While in line for tickets at a theme park, I suddenly realized, "I'm a liar and I'm teaching my children to lie." That horrible moment of realization came shortly after I told my 11-year-old daughter, "If they ask, tell them you're 10."

It wasn't a huge lie. People do it all the time. It was easily rationalized: She wasn't tall enough to ride all the rides, so we shouldn't have to pay full price for her ticket. Those parks are ridiculously overpriced anyway. And besides, if they cared enough, they'd be more scrupulous about checking age.

Those excuses flooded in but were stopped in an instant by a simple fact: I was being dishonest. Worse, I was modeling dishonesty to my child, and even dragging her into it. Hardly worth a $20 difference in the price of a ticket!

Since that day, I've made a commitment to play by the rules. If the menu says kids' meals are for a certain age, we abide by it. If the adult-priced ticket costs too much, we don't rationalize; we just stay home.

My track record so far isn't perfect. But I know that every time I follow the rules, even when no one else does, I'm placing another block of character in my fortress, ready for the larger tests ahead.

—Mark Geil in Georgia

My Response: One way I recently chose the path of integrity was …

Thought to Apply: When you have a fight with your conscience and get licked, you win.—GRIT

Prayer for the Week

May the choices I make, Lord, honor You, showcasing Your transforming power at work in my life.

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