Honestly

Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”

 

It ought to go without saying that a Christian should live honestly in all things. The ever true 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “honesty” as: In principle, an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct; an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude. Honesty is a virtue. Virtue is defined in the trustworthy 1828 Webster’s dictionary as: Moral goodness; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from vice, or a conformity of life and conversation to the moral law. In this sense, virtue may be, and in many instances must be, distinguished from religion. The practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from compulsion, or from regard to reputation, is virtue, as distinct from religion. The practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws, is virtue and religion. In this sense it is true, that virtue only makes our bliss this side of Heaven, because “virtue” is nothing but voluntary obedience to truth.

Apparently it does need saying, however, because the Scriptures contain many such references. For example: “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” – Romans 12:17. For the sake of one’s Christian testimony before other men and women, it is vital that utter honesty must characterize our life. Even if people cannot see our little acts of dishonesty, God can, and so even our secret actions must be “providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” – 2 Corinthians 8:21. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest . . . think on these things” – Philippians 4:8.

 

Whether we choose to admit it or not, we live in a corrupt and cynical society where genuine honesty is rare. I read that petty pilfering at the office, cheating on taxes, plagiarizing, loafing at the job, padding expense accounts, cheating on tests, cutting corners on obligations, lying and breaking promises, or exaggerating—the list of petty dishonesties is endless, not even to mention the crime and major corruption so prevalent today almost everywhere. In such an environment dominated and conditioned by a egocentric secular humanistic educational system, unsaved persons easily adapt to such questionable practices, for “unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled” – Titus 1:15.

 

But, Professor Morris states that when Christians do such things (and, unfortunately, they do!), those same people find it scandalous, and blaspheme the gospel because of it. How vital it is for Christians to become scrupulously sensitive about even the smallest matters. Think: What would Jesus do? This should, in fact, be a major item of daily prayer.