THE EVOLUTION OF HONESTY!

Friday, June 5, 2020

THE EVOLUTION OF HONESTY!

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

           The Christian life, and the peace that it produces includes “whatsoever things that are HONEST.” In the midst of a list of intentional character modifications, Paul urges the Philippians to incorporate certain character thoughts that would literally change their very nature. Honesty is one of those thoughts and traits.

           The word “honest” does not mean now what it meant then. Now it is almost synonymous with the preceding word TRUE. True was that which was verifiable. Honest meant something else – something more. As applied to people, it commonly means grave, dignified, worthy of veneration or regard. Perhaps the word “dignified” might closely explain its meaning today.

           Dr Barnes says: “’Honest’ includes indeed what is right in the transaction of business, but it embraces also much more, and means that the Christian is to show respect to all the venerable and proper customs of society, when they did not violate conscience or interfere with the law of God.”

           Social media is not honest. It is not dignified. It is a patchwork and threadbare quilt that will not warm you against the winds of falsehood. There is no dignity or honor there.

           Politics is not honest. It is a pock marked battle ground of a war of words. Truth lies bleeding in the streets and decorum is besmirched by ridiculous accusations.

           Populists are not honest. The vast majority of people are not dignified but silly. Parroting slogans instead of thoughts and wearing costumes instead of clothing, they march in step to a mind unseen. They have lost their own.

           It is imperative, therefore, that Christians be HONEST, not simply in business transactions, but in thought and deed. Honesty and dignity are not endemic. It must be carefully cultivated and maintained.

"Sow a thought, reap an action.

Sow an action, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a character.

Sow a character, reap a destiny!"

Dear Lord, let me be honest in my thinking and my actions. Not only true but noble in my dealings with others. AMEN