Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.
Proverbs 10:9 - MSG
Someone once said that no one has a good enough memory to be a successful liar. And without sounding too terribly judgmental, Revelation 21:8 in the Message Bible has a rather sobering word for liars: “for them it's lake of fire and brimstone. Second death!” Ouch!
The interesting part about honesty, on the other hand, is that you never have to remember anything. You just tell the truth, and the story is always the same. Plus, Jesus told us that the truth will set us free.
Perhaps “free” can be best defined by today's verse. Honesty, and living honestly, creates a confident and carefree life. There's never a worry about someone “finding out.” We don't have to maintain a false appearance, keep track of our stories, or constantly look over our shoulders. We've all been there at one time or another. We've seen lies come to the light on the national front, and perhaps even in our own lives.
And I like Proverbs as a whole because it is a great “guidebook” for practical living. Of course, the entire Bible is, but the wisest man who ever lived wrote the Book of Proverbs, and his counsel to us is just as viable today as it was thousands of years ago when he first penned the words we read.
Back to honest living… When we live honestly, our outward actions reflect the condition of our inward hearts. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. A dishonest heart eventually reveals itself through dishonest words and actions.
But honesty and moral consistency bring peace of mind, peace of heart, and a clear conscience. Choosing deceit, manipulation, or hidden sin, on the other hand, creates an unstable life of constant cover-ups.
The worst part about living a lie, or living in a deceptive existence, is that it is extremely difficult to sustain indefinitely. Eventually, secrets come to light—whether through natural consequences, investigation, or divine judgment.
So, the bottom line for today is simple. Just live a life of honesty and integrity. It pleases God and will also please your fellow man. Plus, it is a whole lot easier to live life without looking over your shoulder the whole time to see what lies are going to catch up to you.
Life honestly lived is a life of carefree confidence. It's a life of peace. It's the life that pleases the Lord, and you'll never have to worry about “Shifty” being exposed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to live openly before You, knowing that nothing is hidden from Your sight.
Help us to be people whose words match our actions and whose actions reflect hearts that desire to please You. When we are tempted to take shortcuts, bend the truth, or hide behind excuses, remind us that Your way is always better. Fill us with the peace that comes from a clear conscience and the confidence that comes from walking in truth.
May we never live in fear of being exposed but instead enjoy the freedom that comes from living honestly before You each day. Thank You for Your grace when we fail and for Your forgiveness when we confess our sins. Continue shaping us into men and women of integrity who honor You in all we say and do.
In Jesus' Name, Amen…
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