Honesty
Proclaiming the truth with sincerity and frankness in all situations.
Devotional Thought
Read Acts 5:1-11.
What in the world were Ananias and Sapphira thinking? In Acts 4:32-35, the believers were willingly sharing among themselves. There was evidence of great power and provision. It was a joyous time for everyone. But this couple decided not to follow the leadership of the church and they outright lied to Peter about the proceeds of their property sale. Their dishonesty resulted in immediate death.
Dishonesty may not bring immediate physical death like we see from Ananias and Sapphira, but certainly death occurs mentally, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Honesty breeds life while dishonesty breeds death. Situations and life itself get very complicated and confusing when the truth is not shared.
I'll admit that there have been times when I've not been honest. With full knowledge, I've tweaked stories and told outright, bold faced lies. It's hard to look people in the eye trying to maintain integrity while sharing false facts. The trouble intensifies when the lie begins to perpetuate itself into other conversations. As the lie progresses to other people, do I now come clean or does the lie continue? Who knows the truth and who has heard the lie? The mental deception that goes on in our minds can literally destroy us. It would be much easier from the very beginning to simply share the truth.
Former Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn was asked a question by a reporter many years ago, "Mr. Speaker, you see at least a hundred people a day. You tell each one yes or no. You never seem to make notes on what you've told them, but I've never heard of your forgetting anything you have promised them. What is your secret? Rayburn's eyes flashed as he answered, "If you tell the truth the first time, you don't have anything to remember."
Jesus told us that the "truth would set us free." What a liberating promise from God that the truth is always the best policy no matter how inconvenient it may be. Tell the truth! You'll suffer far less embarrassment and be much healthier. Even if complete honesty brings temporary pain, God will honor your courage and bless you for doing the right thing.