An honest person would not lie no matter the cost. You and I could trust them. They are noble to a fault. Sadly it seems that people such as this are rare. That assumption I am hoping is an incorrect one, because an honest person is much needed in this world today. There are people who lie, cheat, and use people to get what they want and they seemingly get away while honest people are being hurt for their honesty. There are also people who are honest for not so honest reasons. They tell the truth to get back at someone or to blackmail someone. Is that the kind of person who should be a role model? Wouldn't you want someone who is honest to be a role model? Obviously you would.
However we live in a world where it seems that dishonesty reigns, let it be known that God sees what the wicked do. The wicked may think that their deeds won't either hurt anyone if they aren't caught or that they are prospering, thinking they have nothing to worry about. But Revelation 21:8 says differently. "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Liars-dishonest people- will have plenty to worry about in the end if they don't repent. They will not prosper in the afterlife because they have not repented of their deeds.
An honest person is a person with integrity. A person others can respect. A person he or she can count on. An honest person is a person with character. An honest person is not one who gives false witness. One who is honest knows and practices the Ten Comandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 says, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." One who is truly honest is truly godly. Honest, godly people serve an honest God, one "who does not lie" (Titus 1:2). God is not a God of contradictions, despite what critics may say or think. "His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4). An honest person is also considerate of others and what God has done for him or her. All of God's promises are true. There is no left or right to His promises. He is 100% Faithful and True. You can count on God. He is one to be reverenced and feared. We are to imitate Christ, for Jesus Himself walked in integrity. He was honest and never lied. He was honest at the cost of His life. He suffered greatly for us, despite the fact that He did nothing wrong. He was tempted, yet never gave in. He was mocked, spat upon, and executed, yet kept his integrity till the very end. Let us all consider what Jesus has done and thank Him. He sacrificed His life for us and God rose Him from the dead. Let us be as those "whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart" (Psalm 15:2) Let us read from his word, for His word is truth. In His word is correction, reproof, and wisdom. God would never mock you or make a fool out of you. He will be with you every step of the way. Consider the words of Psalm 25:5 "guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
I cannot stress enough how much God expects from us in the area of honesty. I can only do my part and tell you the punishment for those who are dishonests in their daily dealings. Rev 21:27 says, "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." God does not take these things lightly. This is serious business and it is not a joke. These words are clearly written in the word of God. His word states, clearly, in Rev 22:15 "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This message is clear for all of us. No one is immune. For yourself, be honest with yourself. If you have not been honest in word or deed, repent. Repentance means to turn from living our own way to living the way God intends us to live. We serve an honest and faithful God. Call on Him today.
No comments:
Post a Comment