We give glory to the Most High for the grace that sustained us in the first third of the programme, and we trust God for more grace in this second lap.
We shall be looking at another vital quality essential for impeccable Christian living and enjoyment of divine visitation.
Topic: HONESTY IS HONOURABLE Subtexts: 1Tim2:1-2; 3:4
In the midst of a world blooming in iniquity/illegality (Greek. anomia = acting contrary to law), the child of God is acutely and mercilessly confronted with moral issues in his habitat (Matt.24:12; Rom.5:10).
Unfortunately, after the preliminary victory over persecutors, there appears a loss of spiritual lustre when the opposition subsides, leading to all manner of substandardness gendered by “little foxes” (SS2:15; 1Tim4:12)
Honesty is the quality of being honest (never deceiving, stealing, or taking advantage of the trust of others; being sincere; truthful).
The word ‘honest’ was translated from the Greek words “semnos” (Phil.4:8), which means venerable, honourable, well ordered in earthly life and has grace and dignity; and “semnotes” (1Tim.2:2) also translated ‘grave’ (1Tim.3:4) means venerableness or probity (the quality of having strong moral principles) relay the word. Honesty is the characteristic of a person that entitles him to reverence and respect, dignity, majesty and sanctity.
It is an essential characteristic of Christians expressed through a life of gravity. The person is majestic and awe-inspiring. It is such persons that God will be proud of and reveal Himself unto. (Heb.12:14; Matt.5:8; Ps.24:3,4; ct. 101:7).
People in leadership ought to be honest having integrity (Num.16:15; 1Sam.12:1-5; 2Sam.23:3), and so also ought workers (1Kgs13:8; 2Kgs.12:15; 2Chro.34:12; Ps.15:1-4; 1Thess1:5-7).
Honesty is a form of defence (Ps.25:21; Pro.20:7) and its absence spells doom to a people: nation; congregation, and family (Jn.5:1; Pro.29:10; 12:13).
The Lord Jesus preached it (Matt.5:13, 14,16). The parable of the unjust (Gk. adikia meaning morally wrongfulness of character, life or act), steward (Lk.16:1-8) harped on wisdom: the place of planning and preparing for the future for self-preservation and did not support dishonesty. The disciples lived honestly (Acts 24:16; Rom.12:5; 2 Cor.1:12; 8:21; Eph.4:14,15).
Honesty goes with humility and fear of God and is a solid statement that one is following after virtue (spiritual manliness 2Pet.1:5).
The child of God must seek to please God and not men (1Jn.5:9; Lk.3:12,13; Gal.1:10; Pro.30:7-9), and it is such people that walk in their integrity that will be hallowed by God both now and in eternity (Job 1:1; 42:12; 1Thess1:5-7; 2:10; 2Tim.4:8).
Its absence smacks of gross spiritual decay (Rev.3:1, 3-6; 1Pet.2:12; 2Cor.13:7; 8:21).