First Christian Church | Pittsfield

Go

Honesty

09.30.21 | Michael's Corner | by Michael Ten Eyck

    Dear Church Family, 

    From a young age, most of us have been taught the value of honesty.  William Shakespeare wrote, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”  The importance of honesty is reflected in the codes of our society as an essential part of our moral fabric. It is enshrined in the Ten Commandments as well as our laws.
     
    I have been thinking about honesty quite a bit lately, especially in light of the phenomenon of what is now known as misinformation and disinformation. I fear for a society that does not value Honesty nor Truth.  

    Certainly, honesty is critical in our walk with the Lord. 
    Prov 6:16-19
    There are six things that the Lord hates,  seven that are an abomination to him: 17  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18  a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19  a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. ESV

    Ps 51:6
     Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.  ESV

    Col 3:9-10
     Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self...ESV

    Not only is it dishonest to lie, but we must now ask ourselves if repeating something that is not true is also a form of lying. Is that being dishonest?  Let’s face it, Social Media is full of things that are “shared” that the “sharer” has no direct way in which to validate the authenticity of the information.  So, why do we feel compelled to post and share these things?  

    George Washington had some wonderful words on this very thought long before the advent of the electronic age of information…  Washington wrote: 
    “Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your reputation. Be not apt to relate news, if you know not the truth thereof...      ...There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth, and pursue it steadily. Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy nation.”  

    Pretty sound advice. I hope that we will all strive to make every effort to be bearers of TRUTH… in ALL things.  

    Loving you all,
    Michael