“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25, ESV)
Dishonesty erodes the foundation of healthy connections in society and even within the sacred walls of the Lord’s church. Shockingly, certain dishonest practices, like the defense of harmless tax cheating (Isaiah 59:14,15), have seeped into the fabric of our faith. As children of God, our calling is to radiate as beacons of light in this world, particularly in the realm of honesty (Philippians 2:15).
Like a pervasive fog, it has settled upon our interactions, dimming the brilliance of our core values. The simple act of truthful speech is besieged in a world where deception runs rampant. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus instructs us to consistently speak the truth, emphasizing that anything beyond this is evil. This guiding principle extends seamlessly from the Law of Moses to the New Law of Christ, declaring that any deceit dishonors God.
Embracing Honesty as the Solution:
The remedy to this predicament shines forth: we must unwaveringly embrace total honesty in our words and deeds. Just as Paul firmly rejected the notion of doing evil to achieve good, we are summoned to authentically teach and practice complete honesty to follow Christ (Romans 3:7-8).
Honesty Rooted in the Character of God:
Honesty is not a mere moral guideline; it intricately links to the character of God. Scriptures portray God as the embodiment of truth (Titus 1:2; Deuteronomy 32:4). Jesus, known as the “Faithful and True Witness,” provides us with a living example to emulate (Revelation 3:14). Lying disrupts our relationship with God and aligns us with the devil, synonymous with deceit (John 8:44). In contrast, honesty becomes an expression of love (1 Corinthians 13:6), aligning our minds and characters with what is true and noble (Philippians 4:8).
The Pivotal Role of Consistent Honesty:
Honesty transcends mere verbal communication, extending to various aspects of our actions—from refraining from theft and fraud to acting in good faith and keeping our word (Proverbs 6:16-19; Ephesians 4:28; Matthew 5:37). Consistent honesty proves pivotal in all facets of life.
The Transformative Power of Unconditional Honesty:
Unconditional honesty, the commitment to truthfulness even when no one is watching, exerts a transformative influence on the world. Psalm 15:1-4 underscores the necessity of sacrificing personal interests for truth’s sake. We are summoned to be “men of truth,” individuals marked by unwavering integrity (Exodus 18:21; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:16). Living by the “honor system” isn’t just a preference; it’s an imperative.
In biblical terms, “honest” often translates to “good” in the sense of beauty and comeliness (Matthew 5:16). The allure of truth and honor positively impacts those who encounter it (Romans 12:17). Honesty isn’t merely a virtue; it’s a means to “adorn the gospel” (Titus 2:10). The value of a reputation for honesty is immeasurable, and once lost, it is challenging to regain. Therefore, let us vigilantly uphold our integrity and its influential power. Living in the light of honesty becomes the cornerstone of authentic relationships.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
Leave a comment