God created humans with the expectation that they would follow basic principles. Although we have the freewill to make our own choices, our success depends on the good decisions we make. Guilt and remorse result from our deviation from our values and principles. Self-esteem, confidence, and integrity result from maintaining our value system and following established principles. While good value decisions build us, bad value decisions tear us down. In order to grow as humans and leaders, we must build more than we destroy.
Good and bad decisions are not equal in value. A person can make many good decisions just to destroy it all with one bad decision, like lying, cheating, or stealing. Remember the fallout for President Clinton after he lied about his involvement with Monica Lewinsky. He literally shattered the revered respect, integrity, and honesty that so many people had for him. Sadly, the lie became bigger and more damaging than the actual affair itself. President Clinton should have immediately confessed, taken accountability, and asked for forgiveness. By taking personal ownership of the problem, the general population would have been more understanding. It just goes to prove that you can’t make a problem better by more lies.
The Declaration of Independence is arguably the greatest doctrine written by human beings anywhere, anytime on the globe. This document created our country’s mission statement and blueprint by interweaving Christian principles with manmade laws. It was responsible for guiding our country out of slavery, racial discrimination, and gender bias. Many 19th century historians believed that the constitution was handed down by God. The Declaration of Independence is our country’s written guarantee that our personal freedoms are ours.
The important words inscribed on our currency are “In God We Trust.” This phrase is the foundation upon which this country was founded. God’s laws are embedded in our laws, our constitution, and our daily lives. It defines our lives, both personally and publicly. We trust God to deliver us from evil that keeps us down and distanced from him. We trust God to deliver his promise of eternal life for our faith in him. We trust God to protect us and keep us from harm. We call upon him as our Father, knowing that he always has our best interests in mind. And like a father, there are negative consequences for succumbing to temptation, evil ways, and immorality. Without consequences, we wouldn’t learn good from bad, and waver from the path chosen for us.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. -- Proverbs 22:6. Ordinarily, those who are started done the right (moral) path of life will not abandon it.
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Proverbs 3: 11My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke. 12because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Is there a difference between discipline and punishment? (3:11-12) - - The goal of discipline is to teach. Punishment is intended to inflict consequences for past misbehavior. Through discipline God wants us to instruct his people about himself. Its purpose is to enhance our character and strengthen our faith (Psalm 119:17).
Psalm 119:18 - - Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Strong moral values expand your influence while immorality restricts. To read more about this book or purchase it now, click here for "Secret Techniques of the Successful Moral Manager."
