Honesty Some thoughts about Lately in politics (national elections) there is a constant questioning of the integrity of the opponent Ad hominem attacks (against the man) are very common Unfortunately, sometimes a lack of integrity is actually seen among those who are campaigning Washington Post started a fact check website to examine claims made in campaign speeches 1 pinocchio (some shading of facts, selective telling of truth) mostly true 2 pinocchios (significant omissions or exaggerations) half true 3 pinocchios (significant factual error or obvious contradictions) mostly false 4 pinocchios (Whoppers) blatantly false Obviously sad, as we need men and women of integrity to serve us in public office. But, what about honesty in the realm of faith? (Some thoughts, not exhaustive)

Some thoughts about Honesty A Christian should always be honest Ephesians 4:25; James 5:12 Fact checking the Christian’s words should not be necessary. A Christian puts away lying (Ephesians 4:25), “Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.” It should not be necessary for a Christian to swear to validate what he says (James 5:12), “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.” For us to be acceptable to God, our “yes” must mean “yes” and our “no” must mean “no”!

Some thoughts about Honesty A Christian should always be honest Ephesians 4:25; James 5:12 A teacher’s honesty should be tested Acts 17:10-11; John 17:17; Acts 26:18 What a person teaches as being from God must be fact checked against the Scriptures. The truth is too important. Our souls welfare depends upon our not being led astray! (cf. 2 Peter 3:14-16), “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” The Bereans tested the words of Paul and Silas when they preached to them (Acts 17:10-11), “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair- minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” We are glad when those who desire the truth examine what we say against what the Bible says. Because God’s word is truth we must be in agreement with it, both in what we teach and what we do (John 17:17), “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The Bible is always right. So, whenever our teaching does not agree with the Biblical record we must repent and correct ourselves (Acts 26:18), [The Lord told Paul his purpose in preaching], “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. ‘”

Some thoughts about Honesty A Christian should always be honest Ephesians 4:25; James 5:12 A teacher’s honesty should be tested Acts 17:10-11; John 17:17; Acts 26:18 We must honestly appraise ourselves 2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 3:17; Proverbs 23:23 We ought to check ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified.” Self-examination, using “the faith” (the gospel) as our standard to measure what the good and acceptable will of God is vitally important. Without checking we will likely rationalize our behavior and we might lose our souls. We must check all our words and deeds to be sure we conform to the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17), “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” A word of caution: We must check ourselves with pure hearts, respectfully using God’s word Avoid evil motives, for they will distort the truth in an attempt to justify ourselves and our sin! (Proverbs 23:23), “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

Titus 2:6-8 Conclusion The importance of honesty and integrity to the Christian can not be overestimated. (Titus 2:6-8), “Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober- minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”