But what looks like integrity isn't always real integrity. Chuck Swindoll, in his book Growing Deep in the Christian Life, tells this story about integrity that is really not integrity at all.
Several years ago, in Long Beach, California, a fellow went into a fried chicken place and bought a couple of chicken dinners for himself and his date late one afternoon. The young woman at the counter inadvertently gave him the proceeds from the day-a whole bag of money (much of it cash) instead of fried chicken. After driving to their picnic site, the two of them sat down to open the meal and enjoy some chicken together. They discovered a whole lot more than chicken--over $800! But he was unusual. He quickly put the money back in the bag. They got back into the car and drove all the way back. Mr. Clean got out, walked in, and became an instant hero. By then the manager was frantic. The guy with the bag of money looked the manager in the eye and said, "I want you to know I came by to get a couple of chicken dinners and wound up with all this money. Here." Well, the manager was thrilled to death. He said, "Oh, great, let me call the newspaper. I'm gonna have your picture put in the local newspaper. You're the most honest man I've heard of." To which they guy quickly responded, "Oh no, no, don't do that!" Then he leaned closer and whispered, "You see, the woman I'm with is not my wife...she's uh, somebody else's wife."
God calls us to be complete, whole people. That is only true when we seek to what is right no matter the setting or situation.
1 comment:
The story of the man who had a social or romantic appointment (it has been implied that it was a ‘romantic’ one) hinges on the word date. The word date also has it’s origin in the Latin language (it comes from the Latin word data, from dare’give’ from the Latin formula used in dating letters, data epistola’letter given or delivered’).
Since Chuck does not tell us the reason for the date we are left to fill in the blanks or have others fill in the blanks with their own imagination. The man (previously referred to as Mr. Clean did not want his picture in the paper and he appeared to be concerned about the reputation of, not wanting to draw public attention to, the woman in his charge that was not his wife.
Some might say, “The only way to avoid any appearance of evil is not to smile; less others think you a drunk or a flirt" or "keep your blinds shut and don’t go out in public.” But I say, “Keep the ‘busy bodies’ so busy they will not be able to talk about anyone else.” and “Don’t car pool or go out to eat ‘at anytime of the day or night’ unless you are in a public place were all the 'busy bodies' can ease drop on bits and pieces of your conversations as they are analyzing your every move and or (gesture intentional or accidental) with anyone, without your integrity intact.
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