I received a check for a speaking engagement recently, and I wanted to cash it before heading home. I went to the local bank in town from where the check had been written. I went up to the teller, and he cashed the check for me. We talked about what I do for a living, faith, and Christ. We had a great conversation for a few minutes, and when I received my money I headed out the door. Jordan, my youngest son, was with me. As I counted the money again in the car, I noticed that the teller had given me an extra $400.
What would you have done?
I have to be honest, my first impulse was to think "YES!!! I got an EXTRA $400!!" A part of me even wanted to say, "Thank you Lord!" I mean we are walking by faith right now, and money has been a source of tough emotions and feelings. As I was having this momentary lapse of judgement, Jordan asked me, "What are you doing Dad?" As I heard his question. it shook me back to reality. I heard the Spirit say, "You know what to do!" I told Jordan that the teller had given me to much money and that we were going to take it back. The teller was so relieved when I walked up to return the money. His words still ring in my ears, "Thank you so much for being honest!" Wow! How I long to hear those words more and more the remainder of my days on this earth, and for my children to see their Dad do the right thing.
I've struggled with dishonesty over the years. I always felt I needed to hide things that would cause me to be seen in a different light. I found myself saying what "needed" to be said so that others would "approve" of me. The harsh reality is that it ultimately caused me to be trusted less. It also kept me from being honest about issues, compulsions, and struggles that I had personally. I've learned from family, counselors, and mentors how to willingly raise my hand and ask for "Help," instead of hiding behind a lie.
When we fail to be honest it causes us to miss great moments where we could grow and experience help, hope, and healing. The reason? Pride! Pride can cause us to stretch the truth. Pride can cause us to think we are "entitled" to something that really isn't ours. Pride can cause division in our relationships. Pride can cause us to stay silent when others have wronged us. Pride can cause us to avoid tough and honest conversations. Pride can cause us to hide our insecurities, addictions, struggles, and failures. Pride can cause us to take the money and run!
The "P" in L.E.A.P. stands for "Pride has to go!" Pride is powerful!. The Bible says that Pride always proceeds a fall. "First Pride, then the crash--the bigger the ego, the harder the fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is a big reason relationships fail, issues go unresolved, businesses go under, and people ultimately choose to not receive the greatest gift anyone could ever have...A relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride definitely goes before a big crash! Our lives are not near what they could be, and we end up hurting people because of Pride.
Remember before you L.E.A.P. that you have to Leave the Familiar, Embrace the Awkward, Avoid the Superficial, and Pride has to Go! When we begin to truly L.E.A.P., as Peter did in John 21, we can experience forgiveness, restoration, hope, and healing. As you read this today I hope you know that you are not alone. It's hard to be honest, but it's worth it. I have things that I am facing that are difficult, but the more honest I am...the more peace I feel. It's a journey, but before we can even begin to take a L.E.A.P. of faith we have to believe that the truth will truly set you free. John 8:31-32 says, "Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. 'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'" It's time we live out what we say we believe, and leave Pride behind! I hope you will take a L.E.A.P. today! We are LEAPING with you!
If you are blessed by these blogs and weDIGit, and you feel led to support us in our walk of faith, you can click the donate button on the right hand side of the blog page. Your prayers and support are incredibly appreciated as Donna, I, and our family walk together in faith to fulfill the call on our lives! Thank you!
What would you have done?
I have to be honest, my first impulse was to think "YES!!! I got an EXTRA $400!!" A part of me even wanted to say, "Thank you Lord!" I mean we are walking by faith right now, and money has been a source of tough emotions and feelings. As I was having this momentary lapse of judgement, Jordan asked me, "What are you doing Dad?" As I heard his question. it shook me back to reality. I heard the Spirit say, "You know what to do!" I told Jordan that the teller had given me to much money and that we were going to take it back. The teller was so relieved when I walked up to return the money. His words still ring in my ears, "Thank you so much for being honest!" Wow! How I long to hear those words more and more the remainder of my days on this earth, and for my children to see their Dad do the right thing.
I've struggled with dishonesty over the years. I always felt I needed to hide things that would cause me to be seen in a different light. I found myself saying what "needed" to be said so that others would "approve" of me. The harsh reality is that it ultimately caused me to be trusted less. It also kept me from being honest about issues, compulsions, and struggles that I had personally. I've learned from family, counselors, and mentors how to willingly raise my hand and ask for "Help," instead of hiding behind a lie.
When we fail to be honest it causes us to miss great moments where we could grow and experience help, hope, and healing. The reason? Pride! Pride can cause us to stretch the truth. Pride can cause us to think we are "entitled" to something that really isn't ours. Pride can cause division in our relationships. Pride can cause us to stay silent when others have wronged us. Pride can cause us to avoid tough and honest conversations. Pride can cause us to hide our insecurities, addictions, struggles, and failures. Pride can cause us to take the money and run!
The "P" in L.E.A.P. stands for "Pride has to go!" Pride is powerful!. The Bible says that Pride always proceeds a fall. "First Pride, then the crash--the bigger the ego, the harder the fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is a big reason relationships fail, issues go unresolved, businesses go under, and people ultimately choose to not receive the greatest gift anyone could ever have...A relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride definitely goes before a big crash! Our lives are not near what they could be, and we end up hurting people because of Pride.
Remember before you L.E.A.P. that you have to Leave the Familiar, Embrace the Awkward, Avoid the Superficial, and Pride has to Go! When we begin to truly L.E.A.P., as Peter did in John 21, we can experience forgiveness, restoration, hope, and healing. As you read this today I hope you know that you are not alone. It's hard to be honest, but it's worth it. I have things that I am facing that are difficult, but the more honest I am...the more peace I feel. It's a journey, but before we can even begin to take a L.E.A.P. of faith we have to believe that the truth will truly set you free. John 8:31-32 says, "Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. 'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'" It's time we live out what we say we believe, and leave Pride behind! I hope you will take a L.E.A.P. today! We are LEAPING with you!
If you are blessed by these blogs and weDIGit, and you feel led to support us in our walk of faith, you can click the donate button on the right hand side of the blog page. Your prayers and support are incredibly appreciated as Donna, I, and our family walk together in faith to fulfill the call on our lives! Thank you!
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