TRUTH, HONESTY, AND SINCERITY

"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

II Corinthians 8:21

 

It is not enough that we tell men the truth of the gospel. We must endeavor to walk before men in such a way that we commend the gospel of God. Not only must we do right, we must appear to do right. It is a foolish pride which leads to a total disregard of public opinion. We must live in honesty, not only before God, who sees the heart and knows all things, but also in the sight of men, constraining them to recognize our integrity.

The gospel of Christ, when it comes into a man's heart with power, changes his whole being. His principle of conduct is no longer, lying, deceit, and craftiness, but truth, honesty, and sincerity. The believer speaks the truth, conducts his business in honesty, and walks before men in sincerity. He is not free from sin. But he is not deceitful.