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"For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men." (2 Corinthians 8:21 AMPC)
I remember my first job interview for a post in the bank. The interviewer looked at me and asked, "Are you honest?" This was a question that got me smiling for a moment before I answered, "Yes, I am honest."
The thought that ran through my mind that got me smiling before I answered was I wonder how my potential employer would verify if I was truly honest except that I prove it after being employed.
I learned a lesson from that question: The world is looking for honest people. Sadly, upon the surface of the earth, honesty has dwindled, and honest people are now rare to find, even amongst believers.
Today, God reminds us in our opening text that we should be honest people, not only before God but also in the eyes of those around us.
Why?
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." (Proverbs 11:3 ESV)
Honesty is being true and telling the truth at all times, no matter the pressure to do otherwise. The Bible says, "The truth will set you free." (John 8:32b ESV)
Telling the truth at all times saves us, but being dishonest destroys. Elisha's servant Gehazi, as well as Ananias and Sapphira his wife are classic examples in the Bible of those destroyed by dishonesty. We ought to learn from these stories and repent from being crooked. We should remember that if we are honest, people will trust us, even with their most treasured possessions.
Honesty is not always cheap or easy, and it's never found amongst cheap people, but amongst people of integrity. That's exactly who we are to be as believers: people of integrity. We should be the difference in a world driven by corruption and crookedness. We should vehemently refuse to cut corners and take kickbacks in our places of work, because we are of God and not of the world, for God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Are you honest?
Make a decision today to be honest in everything you do, in your work, relationships, marriage, and so on. Deal with that covetous spirit in the name of Jesus, and let the Lord exalt you. Pray with me:
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your Word today. From today onwards, I cast away all greed, dishonesty, and covetousness in me, and I refuse to be dishonest henceforth, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
Owen Osa
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
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