What does that word mean?
That was the question posed to me early Saturday morning while driving a group of students back to church during our all-nighter. We were stopped at the intersection of downtown Romeo. The light had just turned red. It was after 1 am and the streets were empty. This is what the conversation sounded like.
Why don’t you go?
I have a red light.
But there aren’t any other cars.
I can’t turn left while the light is red.
But nobody will see you.
It doesn’t matter; it’s the law.
Seriously, there’s nobody around.
I’m not going to turn because I have integrity.
What is integrity?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
wow,
middle schoolers are lame.
and if that was a high schooler, then really….wow.
Ooooh..hope that wasn’t my middle schooler. Although I must admit I have heard teens of all ages say “it’s not wrong if you don’t get caught” very scary. I think I’ll stick with nursery
I have an unrelated comment to leave that has nothing to do with the subject of integrity, though I think it’s a very important topic…I just read your Facebook & thought you should know that I read your blog faithfully everyday…so there you go!
Now to make lunch…
Hey there,
I do enjoy reading your blog occasionally (when again up too late messing around on the computer cuz I am too tired to go get ready for bed!) I miss you in person, but the humor still comes thru in blogeze;)
And as for the integrity issue, getting caught does seem to be the main deterent…. something to think about. I certainly hope that we can teach our kids different. Saw a sign the other day at the Y that said something to the effect of “If you cheat your kids will notice, if you lie your kids will lie too.” Convicting as a parent.
Bambi, you and Sally are right. The determining factor for students is often “will I get caught” and not “is this right or wrong.” What they fail to recognize is that there is a consequence regardless of whether or not they are caught. A couple years ago I read Andy Stanley’s book, Up to You: It’s Your Life, Choose Wisely (The student version of The Best Question Ever). The book was based on Ephesians 5:15 – “Be very careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise.” The question Stanley asks is, “What is the wise thing for me to do, in light of my past experience, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams? Really, this is a great reminder for people of any age that God desires for us to live wisely…and with integrity!
that’s ridiculous!!! not gonna lie though: i have debated doing that, but i have never gone through with it. and will never go through with it.