Honest:
Truthful, trustworthy, sincere or fair. Synonyms: Correct, undisguised, legitimate, unquestionable. Opposite: Deceptive, false, misleading (Websters dictionary)
What does it mean to be honest?
- To tell all
the truth all
the time (don't flatter, don't exaggerate, be truthful in the little things so that you can be trusted with the big things)
Why should we be honest?
- We are to imitate Christ (Philippians 2:5) who is the Truth (John 14:6)
- God hates dishonesty but delights in honesty (Proverbs 11:1)
- Provides a clear conscience
- Provides a good reputation
- Allows us to be trusted
What is truth?
That which is true for all people, for all places and for all times (eg. 1+1 will always equal 2, regardless of who you are, where you are and when the calculation is made). Today, there's a misconception about truth...It is seen as relative (what's true for one is not necessarily true for another); it is seen as changeable (what was true 10 years ago is not true today); it is decided by the majority or by the vote (if enough people think it is true then it must be). However, we must understand there is an absolute measure of truth and hence there is a standard of right and wrong.
- Jesus Christ and the Father areTruth (John 1:14; John 14:6)
- The Holy Spirit is Truth (John 15:29)
- The Scriptures are Truth (Psalm 33:4; Psalm 18:30; Mark 13:31)
Conclusions?
- Truthfulness / honesty is the very foundation of good and Godly character
- There is a knowable standard of truth and it doesn't come from human origin
- We should say what we mean and mean what we say
- Get to know Jesus Christ...He is the Truth and His written Word (the Bible) reveals absolute truth on all the issues and circumstances of life!
"The Lord detests lying lips,
but He delights in men who are truthful".
Proverbs 12:22
