Be Honest by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

Be Honest

By F. M. W.

It has long since passed into a proverb that honesty is the best policy. This has been demonstrated many times in the affairs of the world. It is emphatically true of the cause of Christianity; in fact, the quality of honesty is of the very essence of true Christianity.

The life of Christ affords a beautiful example of simple, honest, straightforward living. True to himself, he exemplified, honestly and openly, the high and holy character of his exalted mission. He was honest with his fellow men, honest with his enemies in warning them of the judgment to come, honest with his truest friends in pointing out to them defects in life and character. He evaded no just obligation. He discharged the filial respect due his parents. He recognized and satisfied the proper claims of civil government. He honored the proper authority of churchly officials, and he taught to his disciples this same law of honest dealing. He says, “Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The apostle Paul, in his inspired commentary upon these divine principles, elucidates the thought in the following words: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Rom. 13:7, 8.

There will be found in the life of every Christian to-day this quality of honesty. False pretension will be laid aside. Deceit and equivocation and lying will find no resting-place in the heart. Every man will count his word as good as his bond, and will seek to live before his neighbors an honest, upright life. It may be necessary at times to incur debts in one’s business, but these obligations will be promptly met. No advantage will be taken of legal technicalities to avoid the discharge of a moral obligation.

Christ’s disciple will seek to live within his means. Unnecessary desires will be held in check, and every promise and

obligation, whether made to God or to his fellows, will be discharged faithfully and promptly to the very best of his ability. Honesty should be a synonym for Christianity. Seventh-day Adventists should be honest men and honest women. By the manifestation of no other quality can they do more to commend to others the principles they hold dear. Walking honestly before God and his fellows, let each seek to manifest in his daily experience among all his associates the honest simplicity of the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.

F. M. W.