Living a Righteous Life in Godنمونه

LIVING IN HONESTY

INTRODUCTION

We, as the children of God, are also tested to live honestly amid this harsh world. We are often faced with the choice to lie or to tell the truth. Are we going to live with pretence, live with a mask wherever we go, or live just the way we are? Some people live that way because they are afraid that they will not be accepted by others.

The Bible says that we are the children of light, and that light must produce truth or honesty. Indeed, we may experience pressure when we live in honesty. However, it is precisely in a situation like this that we are pleasing God and glorifying Him. We need to know that God never sleeps. He will always defend the righteous.

The Bible also says that as children of God, we must take up our cross and deny ourselves daily. Even if the world's invitation pleases our flesh and mind, we will not lower our living standards for the sake of the world's desires.

The Bible says that Lord Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, while the devil is the father of lies with no truth in it. If we want to live in honesty or truth, we can only find it in Jesus Christ the Lord.

SHARING

Below are God’s promises to those who live in honesty.

1. Honest people will receive God’s favor (Proverbs 11:1)

God loves everyone, regardless of who they are. However, God only gives His favor to certain people, among them are those who live in honesty. God will not hold back His goodness and mercy for those who live in honesty.

An example of an honest person is Joseph. Joseph used to live in honesty when he was still working for his father. The principle of working honestly had been embedded in the life of Joseph, that wherever he went, it had become his lifestyle. Even though Joseph lived an honest life, pressure and persecution still happened in his life. Honesty made people dislike Joseph, slander and blame him. Honesty made Joseph be someone who was neglected. However, the pressure and persecution did not make Joseph lower the quality of his life.

God saw Joseph's firm heart to live in honesty, therefore He gave Joseph His favor. Joseph received his victory one by one, and the climax of it was when Joseph become the 2nd highest person in Egypt. 

God appreciates the value of honesty, and as long as we live in honesty, we will receive God's favor, which will make our prayers be heard and answered by Him. There is a special blessing in God’s favor. Hallelujah!

After knowing God’s blessings that we will receive when we live in honesty, let us be honest starting from our homes. Be honest wherever we go, because God will be pleased with us.

2. Honest people are defended by the Lord (Proverbs 11:3-6)

The Lord gives His favor to honest people. God's help is never too late. God’s hands that are available for those who live in honesty are always behind every challenge and problem. 

An example of this case is Esther. Esther's story is very interesting. Indeed, we do not find God when we read the book of Esther, however, the important lesson from Esther is that she lived honestly even if it cost her life.

Sometimes we are brought or allowed by the Lord to deal with this kind of situation. Are we willing to defend our faith or are we more afraid of humans that we ignore our faith in Christ? Do we prefer wealth or position, that we have to deceive and deny our faith?

In a time of distress, Esther had to honestly admit who she was and who her people were. God declared His power over Esther and her people. Here we can see and say that the Lord is our stronghold, our help comes from Him. Humanly, there may be fear and worry in this life, but when we have the willingness and sincerity to live in honesty, we will receive strength from the Lord.

Don't be afraid to live honestly. Don't be afraid to accept the reality. Don't be afraid to be rejected and humiliated by anyone when we live in honesty, for the Lord who lifts us will give us victory.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6).

3. Honest people will receive promotion from the Lord (Proverbs 11:10-11)

Who wants to get a promotion? I believe that all of us want it. Now, one of the keys to getting a promotion from the Lord is HONESTY.

We have seen the above two examples from the life of Joseph and Esther on how they received God’s favor and were lifted by Him. However, remember the price that they needed to pay for living an honest life, too.

The Bible says in Psalm 24:3-4 (let's read these verses) that this is God's promise to us. None can abort God’s promises. The word “promotion” is not an achievement of our greatness. It is God's will and favor for all of us who live as honest people.

Don’t forget who we are when God has blessed and lifted us. Remember that it doesn’t happen because of our merits. It happens because of God's grace. Joseph did not forget his family and people. Esther did not forget her family and nation. Let us remember the people around us, make an impact and be a channel of blessing for them to expand the Kingdom of God. Amen.

CLOSING

Let's continue to draw closer to God and be intimate with Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint us to help, remind, and strengthen us to live in honesty.

DISCUSSION

1. Nowadays, the world experiences a crisis related to the value of honesty. How do we instill this value in our generation?

2. Do we agree that honesty is the beginning of restoration? Why?