Lie, Cheat, and Steal

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Lie, Cheat, and Steal? This is the name of an article in yesterday's Atlanta Journal. It describes a study that was done with a group of high school students. They surveyed almost 30,000 students in 100 randomly chosen high schools in the US. The results were amazing. In the past year, 30% of US high school students have stolen from a store, 20% stole from a friend, 23% stole something from their parents or close relative, 64% of them have cheated on a test, 38% cheated two or more times, 36% admitted to plagiarizing an assignment from the internet, and 42% said they sometimes lie to save money. While those statistics left me amazed, the next one really blew my socks off. 93% said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character. 77% said that when it comes to doing what is right, they were better than most people they knew.

The authors of this survey said that most Americans are too blasé about ethical shortcomings among young people and in society at large. “What we need to learn from these survey results is that our moral infrastructure is unsound and in serious need of repair.”

I put this in context with the paper my daughter was writing last night about Daniel. Daniel was a young man when taken in exile. Daniel and his three friends are examples of dedication and commitment. They were determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. They did not give in to the pressures from a pagan society because they had a clear purpose in life.

Some lessons we can learn from Daniel include the idea that there is strength in real friendship. Friends can hold each other up and hold each other accountable. It is important to choose the right friends – ones that share your convictions.

Daniel’s life demonstrates that there is more to being young than making mistakes. Our first hint of Daniel’s greatness comes in his refusal to give up his convictions. He had godly habits that included a careful physical and spiritual diet. When Daniel was in captivity and they brought him his food, he asked for it to be exchanged for fruits and vegetables. He did this because the meat he was brought went against what he had been taught he was allowed to eat. He held to his convictions. His request was honored and he actually looked healthier eating the fruits and vegetables than the others who had eaten the meat. He was faithful to maintain his prayer habit even when it meant being tossed into the lion’s den. His life proved he had made the right choice.

Do we hold to our faith so strongly that whatever happens to us, we will do what God says. Such conviction will keep us one step ahead of temptation and give us wisdom in tricky situations. Live out your convictions every day and trust God to take care of you no matter what.
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