Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. (Proverbs 12:22)
Unfortunately, we are living in a world where lying is common, practically expected, and seemingly just the way we do business. But at the end of the day, character is still important, and it still matters. It matters not just morally, ethically, and spiritually, but practically. And one of the ways we can display our character and our integrity is by being honest.
Now, while it’s true that integrity is more than just honesty, there can be no integrity without honesty. There is a man in the Bible who exemplified this trait in an incredible way, and that is Samuel. What elevated Samuel, both in the eyes of God and in the eyes of his people was his absolute, unfailing, uncompromising honesty. What distinguished him was not the high positions that he held, but the honest person that he was.
In 1 Samuel chapter 3, Samuel hears from the Lord, and the Lord tells Him that He is going bring judgment on Eli and his family. Samuel is saddened, stunned, and shocked at this revelation. Remember, Eli was the man that has shown Samuel the ropes, a man that taught him all the tricks of the trade, a man who had poured his life into him. So Samuel certainly doesn’t want to tell Eli what the Lord said.
Keep this in mind. This is a test for Samuel. He listened to the truth, now will he tell the truth? Even though it will be tough and difficult will he speak not on what Eli would want to hear, but what Eli needs to hear? Samuel learned at a very early age that honesty is the best policy. You always tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, particularly since it is given to you by God.
We would be wise to follow Samuel’s example. Let’s be people of integrity as we tell the truth, even when it hurts, for our honest and our obedience will be honor and pleasing to the Lord.
Dear God, thank you for the example Samuel sets for us in being honest. Please grant me the boldness and the integrity to be honest and to tell the truth, even when it’s difficult so that I might honor you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: Honesty
