Greetings,
In a recently released survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, people who claimed to have no religious affiliation were asked what it means to be a moral person. For this group the top answer was honesty – to be honest at all times. Given the group involved, this is an interesting response. What do non-religious people mean by honesty? The Bible informs us that when people are separated from God by iniquity the mind lacks this moral quality. “No one calls for justice. Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies” (Isaiah 59:4). For the natural mind the quality of “good” is derived from within itself. Man determines what is right and what is wrong. Honesty can be subjective to this mindset — in other words, based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
One rather wordy definition of honesty is “an evaluative judgment based on legal practice.” In our case “legal practice” is the law of God, around which we strive to make and live by our biblically based “evaluative judgments”. God’s law sets the standard for what is moral. This eliminates the personal feeling and opinions formed by the natural mind. And we are cautioned to be doers not just hearers of the law. For us honesty is a spiritual quality that we must look at rather differently than the world does. Because for us honesty is based on the standards set by God’s law, it is Spirit driven as God’s Spirit opens our minds to the spiritual intent of the law.
In the parable of the sower we are told that the seed is the word of God. Good ground it falls on is described this way – “But the ones (seed) that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15, emphasis mine). God’s Holy Spirit empowers the mind with truth from the tree of life which provides the basis for honesty. Without God’s Spirit the mind is susceptible to deceit (Jeremiah 17:9).
Honesty in a godly sense carries with it the necessity of being honest about ourselves. The natural mind is not honest about itself. We need to be honest with ourselves about our natural proclivity to present ourselves in the best light and others in a negative light. An important instruction for all involved in discussion or counseling is interesting in this respect: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). When we plead our cause are we honest or do we color the facts to our advantage to seem right? Being honest means we admit our actions and attitudes even if it will be to our disadvantage. To hold back facts which may show us to be wrong is not being honest.
Are we honest when we talk about other people? Do we repeat things that we don’t know for sure are true? Part of honesty is not passing along unsubstantiated rumors and being careful not to say things that can be misinterpreted. “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword. But the tongue of the wise promotes health … Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:17-22).
Honesty will not become a part of us without our deliberate effort. It takes strength and courage to be honest. It also requires humility and an openness to see ourselves as we really are. Honesty is derived from a love of God’s law and a willingness to meditate on His law day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).
Philippine Brethren
This past week we have finalized arrangements to welcome a group of members in the Philippines into the fellowship of The Church of God – The Father’s Call. The main congregation is located on the southern island of Mindanao but others are scattered over a wide area. This exciting but challenging development means that we now have an elder and members established in another part of the world that need loving shepherding. Daily life for our brethren in the Philippines is difficult and they would appreciate your prayers as they struggle to live God’s way.
Prayer Request
LCG member, Mrs. Monique Dalle of the Paris, France, congregation was on the EgyptAir flight which disappeared en route from Paris to Cairo. Please keep her family, especially husband Jean-Jacques, daughter Esther and son Nathan, in your prayers as they deal with this tragedy.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
