Living a Life of Integrity - Honoring God's Commandments

EP 42 - Living a Life of Integrity - Honoring God's Commandments

[00:00:00]

Let me ask a question to get us started today. Can you guess the financial impact of living a life of integrity? Well, let's think about that for a moment. And we'll circle back to that question later in the episode.

We'll come back to the Ask Ralph podcast. Where we help you master your finances, lower your taxes. Grow your business, and find personal success. I'm your host, Ralph Estep, Jr.

And today we have a thought provoking topic. That goes beyond the financial realm. We're going to dive into the importance of living a life of integrity. And honoring God's commandments. Now, you may be wondering, Ralph, how does this relate to our usual financial focus? Well, my friends, I strongly believe that personal ethics and integrity. Play a crucial role. In achieving long-term success in all aspects of our life. So, let's explore this further.

But before we continue.

[00:01:00] Living a life of integrity. It means adhering to a set of moral and ethical principles. Which are usually derived from our personal values and beliefs. For many individuals, these principles are rooted in their faith. And religious teachings. In the case of today's discussion. We'll be specifically referencing God's commandments as described in the Bible.

When we talk about living a life of integrity. We are not simply referring to surface level adherence to a set of rules or guidelines. It goes so much deeper than that. It's about aligning our values and [00:02:00] actions in all aspects of our life. Including our finances. As we explore God's commandments, we gain valuable insights. Into how to navigate our financial journey with integrity.

Let's take a closer look at some of these commandments and how they relate to our financial decisions. The first and most well-known commandment is, "you shall have no other gods before me. This commandment reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. in the context of our finances, it means not allowing money or material possessions to become our ultimate focus. Or source of security. We should always strive to manage our finances in a way that honors God and reflects our commitments to him.

Another commandment that directly relates to our finances is, "you shall not steal. This commandment emphasizes the importance of honesty. And fairness in our dealings. it reminds us to respect the property and rights of [00:03:00] others. As we apply this commandment to our finances, it means refraining from deceitful practices, such as embezzlement, fraud. Or misappropriation of funds. Instead, we should strive to be honest. And transparent in our financial transactions. Whether it's in our own personal lives or in our businesses.

Additionally, the commandment, "you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Causes to be truthful and avoid spreading false hoods or engaging in misleading practices. In the financial realm, this commandment encourages us to provide accurate and transparent information to others. Whether it's in our tax filings. Financial reports, or business transactions. Integrity in our communication and representation of financial matters is crucial.

Moreover, by adhering to ethical practices and principles. We protect ourselves from legal troubles and the [00:04:00] damaging consequences of unethical behavior. We build a strong foundation for longterm success and sustainability. Living a life of integrity can also positively impact our personal lives. As we experience peace of mind. Stronger relationships. And a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Living a life of integrity. Honoring God's commandments, is not always easy. The temptations to compromise our ethics may be great. Especially when faced with financial challenges or opportunities for quick gains. That's why it's essential to continually educate ourselves on ethical financial practices and principles. Establish a personal code of ethics. Surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, and seek counsel from trusted mentors or advisors.

When it comes to finances, the principles of honesty. Transparency. And fairness become vital.

Let's take a look at some Bible verses [00:05:00] that emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity in our financial dealings.

We'll start first with Proverbs chapter 11, verse one. And it says, "dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord. But a just weight is his delight. This verse reminds us that deceitful. And dishonest practices are not pleasing.

to God. God values, honesty and fair dealings. And as his followers, we should

do the same. In Luke chapter 16, verse 10, Jesus says,

" One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much. And one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. This verse teaches us that how we handle even the smallest financial matters can reveal our true character. Building a solid foundation of integrity in our everyday financial choices. Can have a lasting impact on our lives.

So let's circle back to the question I posed at the beginning of this episode. [00:06:00] What do you think is a financial impact of living a life of integrity? When we consistently practice integrity in our financial dealings. We not only build trust with others, but we also cultivate a strong reputation. This can lead to stronger business partnerships. Increased client loyalty, and better financial opportunities. When people know they can trust us. They're more inclined to do business with us, recommend us to others, and invest in our ventures.

So, how can we ensure that we're living a life of integrity, genuinely honoring God's commandments in our financial decisions.

Well, let me give you a few practical steps.

First. Educate yourself on ethical financial practices. Stay informed about tax laws. Business regulations. And compliance requirements specific to your industry. By understanding the rules, you'll be less likely to inadvertently cross ethical boundaries.

Secondly, [00:07:00] establish a personal code of ethics for your financial dealings, a set of non-negotiable values that guide your decisions. Write them down. Review them periodically, and hold yourself accountable.

Thirdly, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to integrity. Building a network of trustworthy partners, advisors, and colleagues can provide valuable support and accountability.

And lastly, seek counsel from trusted mentors or professional advisors who align with your values.

Their guidance can provide an outside perspective. And help you navigate challenging ethical dilemmas.

Let us bow our heads and close our eyes as we come before the Lord in prayer. Heavenly father, we thank you for the opportunity to gather here today and discuss the importance of living a life of integrity. Honoring your commandments.

We acknowledge that. Integrity is not merely a set of rules to follow, but a reflection of the character [00:08:00] you desire for us to cultivate.

Lord, as we explore the principles of integrity and our financial decisions. We ask for your guidance and wisdom. Help us to align our values with your commandments, that we make honor you in all areas of our lives, including our finances. Grant us the strength to resist the temptations and pressures of this world. And to always choose the path of honesty and fairness.

As we reflect on your commandments, we pray that you reveal to us any areas where we may have fallen short. And our financial dealings. Forgive us, Lord, for any dishonesty. Greed. Or unethical behavior may have engaged in. Creating us a clean heart. And renew a steadfast spirit within us. May your holy spirit convict us and guide us towards a life of integrity.

 Father, we ask that you bless our efforts to live a life of integrity in our finances, grant us the knowledge and understanding of ethical financial practices, so that we may make wise and [00:09:00] honest decisions. Help us to be good stewards of the financial resources.

You have been trusted to us. Using them for your glory. And for the wellbeing of others.

Lord, we pray for the strength to withstand the pressure of this world. Especially when faced with financial challenges or opportunities that may compromise our integrity. We know that is through your power and grace. That we're able to overcome such challenges, and we place our trust in you.

Finally, Lord, we lift up our podcast listeners to you. May the word shared in this episode, resonate with their hearts. And inspire them to strive for a life of integrity. Honoring your commandments. We pray that you bless them abundantly in their financial endeavors.

And may they be a shining example of your love and righteousness in this broken world?

We offer over this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. Amen.

Thank you for joining me in this prayer. may, God's blessings be upon you as you walk the path of integrity in your [00:10:00] financial journey.

As we conclude today's episode. I want to encourage you to reflect on your own journey towards living a path of integrity. How can you align your financial decisions with God's commandments? How can you build trust in your relationships in business interactions?

Remember? Integrity is not a destination. It's a lifelong commitment. We can strive to practice it every day and grow in character and integrity.

Don't forget to visit our podcastPage@askralphpodcast.com. We eagerly await your thoughts, questions, and insights on today's topic. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. As we aim to continuously improve this podcast.

Thank you for joining me today on the Ask Ralph podcast, may you find success. Fulfillment. And financial wisdom as you embrace a life of integrity. Honoring God's commandments. until next time, as I always say, stay financially savvy. And may God bless you [00:11:00] abundantly.