Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Russell Weiner is the CEO of Domino’s Pizza. If he happens to read this, all I need is a simple thank you. Why, you ask? Because the Tuckers have single-handedly kept Domino’s in the positive for some time now. We typically order two pizzas, brownies, and—my personal favorite—CinnaStix.

My favorite part of pizza night is eating with the family. However, once I finish my portion, I quietly slip out to the garage, where I’ve strategically hidden the CinnaStix. There, in perfect solitude, I sit on my zero-turn mower with an ice-cold glass of milk and proceed to demolish half the box—savoring every icing-covered, cinnamon-sugary bite.

Why am I telling you about this deeply personal and, honestly, healing experience?

Well, we often remind our kids that dessert is a privilege and that too much sugar isn’t good for them. They aren’t owed a brownie or a candy bar after every meal as some kind of reward. The reward, we tell them, is that they got to eat a meal—lovingly provided by their parents, who have once again sustained their little lives for one more day.

With that being said, I have returned from my garage indulgence only to be met by my four-year-old bloodhound, Scottie, sniffing me out and asking, “Daddy, why does your breath smell sweet?”

Naturally, my response is: "Because an honest daddy’s breath smells sweet from integrity."

Proverbs 20:7 says, “A righteous man who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his sons after him.”

Those who live with integrity—who actually live what they say they believe—can do so without fear of being exposed. They walk in peace, not in hiding. My mom used to say, “Your sins will find you out.” I hated hearing it—though not as much as I hated when it turned out to be true.

How are parents always right?

Living above reproach brings peace. You don’t have to worry about being found out or covering your tracks. One of my best friends isn’t a follower of Christ—yet. He’s my friend because he’s genuine. He is the same no matter where he is or who he’s with. When he does come to know Jesus—as I pray he will—he’s going to do amazing things for the Kingdom because of that authenticity.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

We, being human, aren’t capable of that kind of consistency, but we can model a life marked by integrity. We can treat people with honor, represent Christ unashamedly, steward the gospel faithfully, and live a life above reproach—whether someone’s watching or not.

Your children will be blessed to have a man of integrity setting the example before them. So don’t let them catch you waddling in from the garage, cinnamon-bloated and guilty, just moments after telling them dessert wasn’t an option.

Practice what you preach. Say as I do and do as I do.

(You're welcome, Russell Weiner.)

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. Repent of the things you’ve been hiding in the dark. Step into the light.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Prayer:

God, help us live lives that are pleasing to You, both within the church and outside its walls. Help us lead our families with integrity and give us the strength to model the character of Christ. Give us courage to behave in the ways You’ve called us to and to obey Your Word in every circumstance. We love You. Amen.