Honest to Goodness

 

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."

William Shakespeare

1564-1616

Writer

 

Honesty is one of those things that everyone says they expect but think nothing about bending it when it comes to their advantage. We have all heard the excuses about "white lies," not hurting anyone. Someone once said, "There are no degrees of honesty – be 100 percent honest all the time." Let's face it; honesty is hard, even for those who embrace Christian life's principles.

A Christian is expected to be truthful and honest all the time. The principles of Christian character are not in what we say but also in what we do. There is no excuse for lying or stealing, or bending the truth to make things work out for you. These are the small compromises that lead to big disasters in our life. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) said, "A small leak can sink a great ship." And that is so true. Once you allow one dishonest act, it will become easier to allow the next one and so on. Why? Because you most likely will get away with it.

For many people, it is not the lying that bothers them; it is the getting caught. Once they have been found out, they move into another lie to cover the one before. Mark Twain (1835-1910) had it right when he said, "Always tell the truth, and there will be less you have to remember." People of character should know that it is always better to be honest, even if that may cause you pain. They follow the Greek philosopher Sophocles (496-405 BC), who said, "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud."

In business, both employers and customers look for honest people to deal with. Companies want people who will not steal or defraud them in any way. Customers feel safe when they know that the salesperson is not just giving them a line to get their money. One of the great entrepreneurs of the mid 20^th Century was Mary Kay Ash (1918-2001), founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay taught her salesladies the importance of honesty when she said, "Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist."

People who follow the principles of godly character show themselves to be people of honor. When others talk of you, let them say that you are an honest person and can be trusted. Don't assume that honesty is a given, and you will not be tempted to bend the truth or not be entirely honest in your actions. I dare say you will not make it through this day without facing the challenge. The question is never, will you get caught. Most likely, no, and if you were caught, many people would not even care. Your honor is in the balance here, and nothing should cause you to lose that.

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.