Be a role model

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." Proverbs 11:3 ESV

In an article recently published by the Los Angeles Times, it was revealed that UCLA knew of a cash-for-admissions deal years before the scandal erupted. It all came to light when a runner who was too slow for UCLA's track team was granted admission anyways after her parents donated $100,000 to the college's athletic program. The investigation determined that the timing of the pledge by the parents “together with the revelation that she was intended to be only a manager, in violation of the department recruitment and admission policy, removes any reasonable doubt that the contribution from the parents was obtained quid pro quo for the daughter’s admission.”

And as much as that story should shock each one of us, it probably doesn't. After all, the news airs reports each and every day revealing the "crookedness" of men. And you know, while each and every believer is called to practice "integrity," or honesty and moral uprightness, in their business dealings and all other aspects of their lives, it clearly isn't happening. And you can be sure this deceptiveness not only "destroys them" but destroys their witness and can spiritually destroy their children who look to these parents to be role models. 

So in a world that attempts to get ahead or gain financially by any means possible, may you and I choose to let the Word be our guide that we might be "upright" witnesses of what it truly means to follow Christ. And by doing so, may others see our lives and be inspired to follow. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that "crookedness" never stays hidden. Help us to not get tempted or lured into gaining things dishonestly that we might live lives of integrity that our children can follow. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Slow Fade - Casting Crowns