AN HONEST HEART

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

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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