Honesty is a Value
Honesty is a value one appreciates in others. Honesty between people builds a bond of trust. Honesty says, I can count on you to be straight with me, to tell me the truth when I ask it of you. In married life, honest, open conversation is not only critical to the health of the relationship, it is essential. This establishes trust in the relationship.
An honest person chooses to do the right thing even when deception or embellishment is a tempting option. It is noticed when “honesty is the best policy” is lived out in such a fluid way. Parents, teachers, clergy, everyone becomes known by their doings. Spiritual people should be known for their honesty. This universal truth speaks of personal character and holy righteousness.
People are Watching
I met a woman who said that as a child she believed everyone always lied because all the adults in her life lied to her. That is, until she met a lady in my church who would not fib or lie. She watched closely and was surprised by what she saw. (Thank you, Ruthie, for being that person in her life)
She took notice. It eventually led to her coming to God and changing her life. She wanted to live a different sort of life than the one she had known and been raised with. Christian adults modeled this lifestyle in front of her and they demonstrated love to her. (Thank you, Don and Judy Quillen, for sharing love with needy children in the Awana program)
I appreciate the old fashioned virtue of being honest. It is like an anchor one can trust. Honest behavior gives credence and credibility to what we say. We build trustworthiness through our honest ways and our truthful acts that reinforce our personal integrity.
Honesty is the best policy.
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