Sincerity in Everyday Life.
By Mrs. J. T. Leach
WHAT is it to be sincere? It would be a difficult task for me to undertake to give anything new regarding sincerity; but what I propose to do is to point out a way whereby we may put in practice the knowledge we already possess. Each one will admit, I think, that the prevailing thought to-day is popularity, without any regard to conscience in the matter. Now, is that right? To me it is not. If we would consider that every word spoken, every act performed, is an indicator of our true character, would we not revolve thoughts over and over before giving them to others, either in words or acts, realizing that "the tree is known by its fruit"? Again, when the good presents itself to us, should we withhold that, fearing to offend the evil? Never! Courage for the right is what we want, and when we have educated ourselves up to this we will find it is as easy to sail under true colors as under false, and much better. When we converse, let our conversation be guided by sincerity, never hesitating for a moment to consider whether we will please or displease, simply clinging to the right and truth. Did Christ try to please the multitude, or was his life marked with sincerity? He was a perfect example for us all. Now if we are sincere in anything, we cannot hide it, because our hearts are in the work, be it what it may, right or wrong. Which side are we on? This is a question for each individual to answer conscientiously. When sincere and on the side of right, we are natural, real, truthful, genuine. Associated with persons living in such a channel, are we not benefited by them? If we could, each one, influence some other person to be sincere in "everyday life," would not the world be better for it? You know this beautiful world is composed of "little drops" and "little grains," and if each one could send out a "drop" or "grain" of thought in the line of sincerity, what a good work and mighty might be done. In order to do a good work, we must be careful of the example which we as individuals give to the world. Talleyrand says: "There are many vices which do not deprive us of friends; there are many virtues which prevent us having any." It remains for us to decide whether we will be on the side of vice or virtue. If we want to establish a firm and sure foundation for ourselves and families, we will shut the door against insincerity as against a thief; put ourselves under the lock and key of sincerity, and the bolt of moral courage, thus having the power to deny the wrong every time it is necessary. I think after all it is moral courage we lack. Let us see to it that we have more of the last-named article on hand, and I know we will rapidly grow toward sincerity. Longfellow says:—
"Bear through sorrow, wrong, and ruth,
In thy heart the dew of youth,
On thy lips the smile of truth."
And to do this we must be sincere always, and have moral courage for our stimulus and support.—Mrs. J. T. Leach, in Christian at Work.