February 19 - Honesty

… Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.  Hebrews 7:24-26 NIV

Honest—doing and saying what is right and true. Being accurate with facts. Being straight with others and with God. Honest as the day is long…and in the summer, that can be a long time. Jesus was honest…and never lied. He expects the same of us. That is why He responded to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” by saying to keep the commandments, including the one…“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 Bearing false witness is plain and simple lying. Lying doesn’t bring honor to the person doing it, or to their family or even to their friends. It is not a quality of which anyone could possibly be proud—although that is a gang trait that some have to go through to be accepted.

Honesty is a quality that is so very important to instill in your children. I remember as a child having to take my youngest brother back into a store to return some candy that he had taken. He was only about four years old, but it was still wrong, and my mother insisted that he return the candy. At least he hadn’t opened or eaten it yet. It was humiliating to have to go to the store owner and give it back, but I took him by the hand and the storekeeper was gracious enough to take back the candy. I was watchful of my brother so that we didn’t have to go through that humiliating act again. He never helped himself to another candy treat, or anything else without paying for it. Now he is well respected for being honest and hard working. Through that lesson our mother taught us all the importance of honesty.    

Training Tip – What can you do to instill honesty in your children? First of all pray for them that they would have self-control. Trust God that He will work in their lives. Even though you do trust God, you are still accountable for your children. Teach them by example. As always in any character development, your actions speak louder than words. Watch their actions. Reward good behavior. Calmly and quietly discuss any unmet expectations.  

Lord – Help_______(my child or grandchild) to be self-controlled, honest and pure (Titus 2:6-8). Guide them as they make decisions today. May all of our lives be pleasing to You.  

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.