Which following group of synonyms (words with “like”
meanings) would you connect with the word “honest”?
#1 #2
Deceitful Genuine
Fraudulent Sincere
Unscrupulous Trustworthy
That
is an easy question to answer…group #2.
Now, which group would you associate with the title, “Honest John’s Used
Cars”? Most of us would choose group #1
because the word “honest” has been perverted in our world until we view it
associated with its actual antonyms (words with “opposite” meanings),
especially in connection with commercial and political agendas.
Let
us take a moment to lay down our preconceived ideas about the word “honest” and
have a look at what God’s Word has to say about it:
“I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and
for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in
all godliness and honesty.” – 1 Tim. 2:1-2 KJ21
The
Greek word for “honesty” here is semnotes (sem-not-ace) which means gravity,
serious, and probity. Probity is a noun
which means “virtue” or “integrity that is tested and confirmed”.
With
this in mind we can sum things up as follows:
One
who is “honest” (or has honesty) in the ordinary sense (in man’s view of being
good) is disposed to act with regard for the rights of others but one who is
“honest” (or has honesty) before God is one whose life and actions reflect an
inner-heart attitude of being changed day by day by the Holy Spirit (Romans
8:6, 28-30) and with this change of the inner heart comes the attitude of
“reverence” and adoration of the Lord.
To put it in a nutshell:
“honesty” is worship. So today
let God change your inner heart and be set free from the ways of this world to
give Him the respect, adoration and worship He deserves! Once you do you will find delight in
exercising true honesty.
