Honesty – 21 Jan 2008

This week I want to look at some attributes of Christ-like living which coincidentally all begin with the letter “H”. Today we start with that rare quality in today’s world – Honesty.

Honesty is such an attractive quality in people – yet it is a struggle to be honest with ourselves and others about all aspects of our lives – we have a tendency to leave some dark corners, where the light doesn’t shine. January is a good time to give ourselves an annual dose of self-appraisal. What dishonesty is there in our daily lives? What can we do to put things right from now on? Don’t we know that all sin kept hidden will one day come to light?

Honesty can keep you safe, but if you can't be trusted, you trap yourself………
Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense. When honest people prosper and the wicked disappear, the whole city celebrates. When God blesses his people, their city prospers, but deceitful liars can destroy a city. It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet. A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret. Proverbs 11:6,8-13 [CEV]

Gossip is a very damaging thing, and no good can come of it. It destroys unity and relationships – how gossip-proof is your daily life? Sometimes (not always) silence is the best policy. Confidentiality is also important to protect our relationships – can you keep a secret? Are we true to our friends?

Lord, help us to be honest to ourselves, to others and to you. Amen.