What’s so great about being honest?
Take politics, for example. You already know what I mean. Who can be a good politician if they have to tell the truth all the time?
Then there’s the doctor. Tell a patient the bad news, or sugarcoat it?
That’s right. You’ll die tomorrow, sorry, now you get to pay your bill.
Ouch!
We want to soften the message, make it better, especially if we’re talking to a 4-year-old. Or a business associate. Or just about anyone we like and care about.
Wait right there! God says we can’t afford to create our own storyline. The truth is never something to cast aside. Once we start down that slippery slope, it becomes a wild ride to the bottom, and the crash landing is a momentous disaster.
Isaiah 33:15-16 gives us six actions that show honesty and four rewards God gives us.
Honesty Action No. 1:
“He who walks righteously …”
We must obey God’s rules in all situations.
Honesty Action No. 2:
“And speaks uprightly …”
We must tell the truth in kindness and with empathy.
Honesty Action No. 3:
“Who despises the gain of oppressions …”
We must consider the motivation and not just the result.
Honesty Action No. 4:
“Who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe …”
We must not associate with wicked people.
Honesty Action No. 5:
“Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed …”
We must not focus on worldly events that bring us to despair.
Honesty Action No. 6:
“And shuts his eyes from looking on evil …”
We must avoid sordid tales or situations.
Let’s get excited, because here’s the good part.
Our honesty brings on God’s reward. Here’s what we receive when we lift ourselves to God’s standard.
Honesty Reward No. 1:
“He will dwell on the heights …”
We will rise above our worldly problems.
Honesty Reward No. 2:
“His place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks …”
God’s mighty hand will defeat those who oppose us.
Honesty Reward No. 3:
“His bread will be given him …”
God will meet our physical needs.
Honesty Reward No. 4:
“His water will be sure.”
Our emotional and spiritual welfare are secure in God’s hands.
There’s everything great about being honest. From how we live to how we interact with others, God notices, and he rewards our faithfulness to his standards.
Honesty combined with kindness makes for a more excellent life.
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