Do we maintain the same character in the public sphere as in our private places and spaces? Where do the inconsistencies in our speech come from? In Jesus name, we long to SPEAK and heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead. But how can we if we have no honor in our day-to-day chatter.
The power of our words. We flatter for position. We gossip for sport. Those little white, benevolent lies and “bless her heart’s” diminish the integrity of our words. We Bless. We Curse. Benediction. Malediction. We break promises. We hurt the people closest to us. The one’s God sent to help us.
Dishonesty is the root.
Jesus tells a parable to his religious critics about a father who asks his two sons to work their field. The first son is honest and says, “Nah, I’d rather not,” but then feels remorseful and ends up going. The other son says, “I’m on it… I will go…” but never does. Jesus asks the Pharisees which of the sons did the will of the father? They all agree on the first son. Jesus said, “You’re right. For many sinners, whoremongers, and prostitutes are going into God’s kingdom realm ahead of you!”
The religious scholars weren’t honest with themselves about their true condition. Their own sin. Confident in their station, they thought they were safe because they were obeying the rules. They could not acknowledge their own need for dependence on God. That is the sin that blocks His grace. Honestly is the beginning of living a passionate and wholehearted life. Open your heart to him. “Stand in Him and Him alone, gloriously complete.” – James Proctor