AN
HONEST HEART
READ:
Psalm
15
I
know also, my God, that You
test
the heart and have pleasure
in
uprightness. -1 Chronicles 29:17
I came across an epitaph on an old gravestone in
a cemetery the other day. It read, “J. Holgate:
An honest man.”
I know nothing of Holgate’s life, but
because his marker is unusually ornate, he must have struck it rich. But whatever he accomplished in his lifetime,
he’s remembered for just one thing: He
was “an honest man.”
Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, spent a
lifetime in search of honesty and finally concluded that an honest man could
not be found. Honest people are hard to
find in any age, but the trait is one that greatly matters. Honesty is not the best policy; it’s the only
policy, and one of the marks of a man or woman who lives in God’s
presence. David writes, “LORD…who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly” (Psalm 15:1-2).
I ask myself: Am I trustworthy and honorable in all my affairs? Do my words ring true? Do I speak the truth in love or do I fudge
and fade the facts now and then, or exaggerate for emphasis? If so, I may turn to God with complete
confidence and ask for forgiveness and for a good and honest heart-to make
truthfulness an integral part of my nature.
The One who has begun a good work in me is faithful. He will do it. –David Roper
Lord,
help me to be honest
In
all I do and say,
And
grant me grace and power
To
live for You each day. –Fitzhugh
********************************************
Live
in such a way that when people think of honesty
and
integrity, they will think of you.
INSIGHT
David
calls God’s people to live a life of integrity and purity (Psalm 15:2). He describes the upright as those who do what
is right and who speak truthfully and honestly.
Sincere, open, and transparent, they do not slander, discredit, or harm
their friends (v.3). They honor those
who fear God and keep their promises even when it is not advantageous to do so
(v.4). They do not take advantage of
others, but act justly and fairly (v.5).
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love Always
Unity & Peace
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