Tuesday, October 5, 2010

What Happened to Honesty and Integrity?

I know that we are 'convicted' for different things. I know that God speaks to each of us differently and about different things. I also know, however, that sins are sins...no matter how big or small they are or how much we try to justify them. I also know that we ALL sin. Hopefully, we try not to, though.

That being said, I have been slapped in the face recently with 'white lies' that my friends have said/done in order to get something for their children. Now, let it be known that I do not think there is such a thing as a white lie. Someone lies and they know they lie...lies are not big or small, they just are. So, these friends have done things like put a fake date on their child's profile so they could have a Facebook page (because it doesn't really matter), let their 12 year old child drive their car (you know, because I was right there with them).

Now, I know these aren't huge matters. I know that the world will not end because a 12 year old has a Facebook page. Here is what I do know. I know that my children watch EVERYTHING I do. I know that they know if I am being an honest person. I know that they know what a lie is and that I expect them to always tell the truth.

What happened to being role models for our children and leading by example? What happened to teaching our children that certain rules are in place for their protection? What happened to telling our children that some things we just have to wait for? What happened to being a parent to our children and not worrying about being their best friend?

Whats the difference between a fake birth date on a profile or on an ID? Just a little white lie, right? What's the difference between bending the rules for driving or drinking. Just a small thing, right?

I just don't understand how parents can justify one thing but not the other.

So, tell me...am I over reacting? Is this a big deal? Do these things matter? Would love to hear your thoughts.

3 comments:

Elizabeth @ My Life, Such as it is... said...

You are not overreacting at all in my opinion. Our kids do watch and see everything we do and say, comparing it to what we do/say to others outside our family.

Like I commented on FB, breaking small rules is no different from breaking big rules. Call it a "gateway drug" to bigger things. It also leads to a lack of accountability; a sense of "the rules don't apply to me". People argue Jesus broke the "rules" but honestly, most of the Scripture quotes Jesus as saying to honor man's laws/rules. Yes, there is a time to disobey if the law goes directly against something in God's Word. But opening an account for your underage child on FB does not qualify IMHO.

Do I break the rules occasionally? Yes but I also don't do it on purpose. We talk to our son about making mistakes, admit when I'm/we're wrong, and face the consquences.

~LL~ said...

AMEN and AMEN!!!

My oldest is BEGGING for a FB account because his little 12 year old friend has one. I don't even know the age requirement because I know he just doesn't need one right now.

The "little white lies" drive me crazy, too. It's like saying 1 sin is worse than another... well, you know what? It is not. Sin is sin... it doesn't matter what it is, or the outcome, it separates us from God.

GREAT POST!!!

Cammie said...

Thanks Girls! Nice to know I am not off my rocker. Also good to know there are still some mamas out there who still believe in honesty and integrity!!

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