1 Timothy 2
1I exhort therefore, that,
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Today's Tea-votion word is "hones-tea." Honesty can be painful. Honestly can make us look at the "cracks" in our lives and try to ignore them. We can try to avoid the truth, like stepping on the scales after the holidays, but if we want improvement in our world we have to eventually face the facts and be honest about what needs work and attention.
My sister and I like to talk about what the Lord has done in our lives, whenever we get a chance to talk. After Christmas last year she recommended a powerful little book to me and I promised to read it. I went directly to Amazon.com and ordered a used copy for a dollar. It is worth a million in the Christian life. The book is called The Hour That Changes the World, by Dick Eastman, 1978, Baker Books. The scripture is from the King James Version of the Bible and the book is based on scriptural principles. The author gives personal illustrations and very practical helps for Christians.
After reading the book I had to honestly evaluate my prayer life. Did I want to pray? Yes! Did I try to pray every day? Yes! Did I have a powerful and effective prayer life? uh...I don't know, well, I did have some answers to prayer, but not on a regular basis. Did I focus on specific areas of prayer, or just confession and petition? What? I definitely needed each page of that book. So I dissected it, outlined it, made a journal of the entries, and started applying one step at a time. "Amazing" is all I can say.
Being honest with myself about my sickly prayer life was the first step in spiritual growth in that area. This is true in every spiritual and earthly arena. You cannot be saved unless you are honest about your need for a Saviour. When entering into God's presence in prayer you must be honest about your faults, confessing sin to God, so that the barriers are removed and prayers can be answered.
For many years I applied honesty to my words alone. If someone asked if they looked good in a certain outfit, I tried not to lie, even if the outfit wasn't the best on them. I gained a reputation for being honest when asked a question. That is elementary. It takes a lot more maturity and growth to be honest with ourselves on every level. You can say a lot of true statements, that does not make you a good Christian, a kind person, or a thoughtful friend. Honesty is the best policy, but it must be wrapped in kindness and love.
Honesty in our testimony in this world is also need. We can pray all we want to for the evangelization of the world, but until our actions match who we are in the inside, we are not being honest, and we will not be effective witnesses for Christ.
Shakespeare wrote, "To thine own self be true". If you are a Christian, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, be true to yourself in word, deed, and life goals and values - that we "may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty."
