Crooked Paths Lead to Destruction - The Warrior's Journey®
Devotionals

Crooked Paths Lead to Destruction

Author: Chaplain, COL Scott McChrystal, USA (Ret.)

Move!. Photo by The U.S. Army is licensed under CC By 2.0

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)

Sacrificing one’s integrity in order to succeed can have disastrous effects. We all know this, but some never get the message- until they get caught.

For example, in the academic realm plagiarism is strictly forbidden. Why? Because it is a form of cheating. One who plagiarizes uses someone else’s work, claiming it to be their own. I recently learned about a senior officer who plagiarized on a writing requirement at a senior service college. He graduated with a master’s degree and later enjoyed several promotions.

But God’s Word is true. The officer’s story ended several years later when his act of plagiarism was discovered. He was reduced in rank and forced to retire in disgrace from a very prestigious position. The officer had served honorably for almost three decades. but that’s not what people will remember about him.

You’re thinking, “How stupid!” Yes, it was.

But let’s be honest. Few of us are squeaky clean regarding our integrity.

Next steps? Ask the Lord for forgiveness. If God directs you to take any other measures, obey Him.


The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.


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