BE HONEST

Then Moses said, “If you keep your word and arm yourselves for the LORD’S battles, and if your troops cross the Jordan until the LORD has driven out his enemies, then you may return when the land is finally subdued before the LORD. You will have discharged your duty to the LORD and to the rest of the people of Israel. And the land on the east side of the Jordan will be your inheritance from the LORD. But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Go ahead and build towns for your families and sheepfolds for your flocks, but do everything you have said.”

Numbers 32:20-24

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 09/22/06

How important is it to be honest? Today’s scripture assures us that the LORD will know when we are dishonest. That should be enough to keep us telling the truth. Today’s Devo about the football punter makes it clear that not only will the LORD know when we sin but also sin has its consequences. We may think we can hide our sin and never be found out but that is not the case. If our sin is never exposed to the light of day, the burden of guilt in itself is a heavy price to pay.

I listened to a group of young people who have grown up in an environment where being dishonest is the practice. When presented with God’s instruction on honesty, these truths only found closed ears and hard hearts. It will take prayer, continued teaching, living examples and a long time to undo the years of negative training they have received.

How important is it to be honest? Your truthfulness is seen by those who are watching you … who look up to you … who are checking you out as a believer. Your honesty can be seen as a reflection of the Jesus living in you.