Can you comment on honesty and religion?
Introduction. You may hear the saying, "It doesn't matter what you believe so long as you are honest and sincere." Certainly the scriptures require us to have a faith that is sincere, genuine, and pure (Acts 24:16; 2 Cor. 1:12; Eph. 6:24; Phil. 1:10). We are to be truthful, free of deceit, and not hypocritical (Col. 3: 9; Rom. 6: 17-18; Matt. 6). And yet this involves more than just our attitudes and emotions.
Honesty in accepting and applying the truth. God's truth has been revealed in His word (John 16: 13; Jude 3). All man needs to know has been supplied (John 16: 13; 2 Pet. 1: 3). All can understand the truth and understand it alike if they so desire (cf. Eph, 3: 1-5). The truth, the word, shall be the standard used by Jesus Christ in the last day (John 12: 48; Rom. 2: 6-9). God's teaching relative to initial salvation, how to live, Jesus' church, etc. can be understood and should be applied to all aspects of our lives (Acts 2: 36-38; Rom. 10: 10; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Matt. 16: 18).
Honesty in our dealing one with another. The scriptures are full of instruction as to how man is to treat his fellow man (Matt. 7: 12). There is to be no stealing, slandering, and unkindness (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 4: 11; 1 Pet. 3: 8). Just think what drastic changes (for the better) there would be if such honesty were universally practiced, if only by religious people!
Honesty is absolutely necessary in religious matters. Honesty inherently entails a love of the truth emotionally, intellectually, and practically. Paul said condemnation will come to those who do not love the truth. In addition, he wrote through the Spirit that those who do not love the truth shall receive a strong working of error that they should believe a lie (2 Thes. 2: 10-12). Honesty requires that we be free of prejudice, selfishness, and pride. Honesty necessitates we accept the proper external standard and guide (God's word) and apply it to our lives daily in our actions. It would be dishonest and insincere to claim to love Jesus as your Savior and Lord (master) while not doing what He says (Luke 6:46).
Honesty in accepting and applying the truth. God's truth has been revealed in His word (John 16: 13; Jude 3). All man needs to know has been supplied (John 16: 13; 2 Pet. 1: 3). All can understand the truth and understand it alike if they so desire (cf. Eph, 3: 1-5). The truth, the word, shall be the standard used by Jesus Christ in the last day (John 12: 48; Rom. 2: 6-9). God's teaching relative to initial salvation, how to live, Jesus' church, etc. can be understood and should be applied to all aspects of our lives (Acts 2: 36-38; Rom. 10: 10; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Matt. 16: 18).
Honesty in our dealing one with another. The scriptures are full of instruction as to how man is to treat his fellow man (Matt. 7: 12). There is to be no stealing, slandering, and unkindness (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 4: 11; 1 Pet. 3: 8). Just think what drastic changes (for the better) there would be if such honesty were universally practiced, if only by religious people!
Honesty is absolutely necessary in religious matters. Honesty inherently entails a love of the truth emotionally, intellectually, and practically. Paul said condemnation will come to those who do not love the truth. In addition, he wrote through the Spirit that those who do not love the truth shall receive a strong working of error that they should believe a lie (2 Thes. 2: 10-12). Honesty requires that we be free of prejudice, selfishness, and pride. Honesty necessitates we accept the proper external standard and guide (God's word) and apply it to our lives daily in our actions. It would be dishonest and insincere to claim to love Jesus as your Savior and Lord (master) while not doing what He says (Luke 6:46).