As followers of Christ, we must know that God is truth and calls us to live in truth and stand firm against the ways of the world. One must come to the place of being honest with God, yourself, and with others James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed". The lack of honesty will press down on us like a weight of unimaginable portions and will bring us to the point of feeling cheated of our future due to situations of yesterday and today.
When I talk about being honest, it all begins by searching yourself and knowing that honesty starts as a choice or a mindset. I want to caution you that the honesty I am talking about does not allow one the freedom to use honesty as a tool to criticize others but the honesty that begins with your relationship with God. Only when one removes the mask of mediocracy can one honestly evaluate one's walk with God.
Moreover, honesty with God enables us to align ourselves more closely with His will and purpose for our lives. Through introspection and sincere conversations with Him, we gain clarity on what truly matters – both spiritually and personally. This practice of honesty helps us navigate life's challenges by seeking guidance from a God who understands us completely.
Remember, John 14:6 tells us, "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life." John 1:14 states that "Jesus is full of grace and truth." 1st John 1:5 reminds us, "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." God is the source of all truth and is completely honest. If God is the father of truth and Satin is the father of lies, we live in spiritual darkness when we lie. John 8:32 speaks of truth this way, "you should know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
In a world where pretense and deception can often cloud our interactions, being honest with God provides us with a space to be authentic. It allows us to lay bare our vulnerabilities, doubts, and fears without fear of judgment or rejection. By embracing honesty in our relationship with God, we open ourselves up to genuine connection, spiritual growth, grace and mercy.
Honesty with God is an essential aspect of our spiritual journey. It is a topic that holds great significance in cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with God. When we speak of honesty with God, we refer to the sincere and transparent communication that allows us to express our true thoughts, feelings, and desires.
The hard part for many men is getting to a place of being honest. Being honest can be very difficult, especially for someone who has always stretched the truth, covered their tracks, manipulated others, or, more importantly, not been honest with God. The thing is, God knows. In Genesis 16:13, we find Hagar uses a new term about God. The Hebrew word EL-Roi is translated as the "God who sees me" or the "God of sight."
No matter what we do or say, we must remember that "God Sees You" and knows you as Christ did with the women at the well. He told her, John 4:16-17 "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus told her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. You have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
When Philip introduced Nathanael to Christ. John 1:43-50 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel."
When we are honest with God, we acknowledge that He already knows us intimately - every thought, and every intention. However, it is through our honesty that we demonstrate trust and free will in His unconditional love and acceptance. We recognize that He desires not only to hear our praises but also to listen compassionately as we pour out our hearts.
On the next few pages, we will continue to look at our life through His eyes and see ourselves in the light of truth.
In our desire to leave this place of Christian mediocracy and become a dedicated follower of Christ, one must first be honest. I would argue that ‘contrition’ or having a ‘contrite heart’ [which is a more specific act of honesty that is derived from healthy guilt] is the first place to start if you want to move past mediocracy and become a dedicated follower of Jesus. We came to this place of contrition where we had to make a difficult decision to turn towards God and away from our sin. What brings us to this place of looking at our walk with Christ can be many things, but typically, it is due to a situation in our life that brings to light a specific behavior that we’ve been selfishly promoting, intentionally hiding, or consciously avoiding. I know that was true for me. What prompts us to examine our relationship with God is often a contrite heart, stirred by life's challenges such as a divorce, the loss of a loved one, an affair, job loss, financial irresponsibility, or some other sinful attitude/behavior/choice. Yet, for some, the Holy Spirit has quickened your heart to change and become a sold-out follower of Christ. Also, honesty does not mean simply voicing complaints or grievances towards God but rather engaging in an open dialogue where we express gratitude, seek understanding, and, most importantly, confess with true repentance. This act of true repentance is a key element in strengthening the bond between us, holding us accountable and committed to our spiritual growth, fostering a sense of trust and reliance on His wisdom.
Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
The truth is that living a life of lukewarmness was not that difficult; living there was nice and easy. It’s also true that living a life of lukewarmness is a dishonest life. Even going to Church didn't move me from a life of being lukewarm; it seemed that, too, had become lukewarm. Living in the middle is more manageable than living on the edge. I never had to worry about the world coming against me or concern myself about attacks from Satan; he had me right where he wanted me, in the middle.
Ask yourself, what does it all mean? What relevance does it hold in today's busy, hustle-and-bustle life? In what specific areas, relationships, and situations am I being dishonest or lukewarm? What am I contrite over?
“Be Honest!!!
The problem is that believers are not called to live in the middle; we are called to walk in His power. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brother, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Therefore, when I got honest with God, myself and others, He gave me the desire and strength to get back on track. After a life of ups and downs, I found myself at the point where I was tired of chasing the things of the world and my flesh. I had come to this place on the road where I had to decide, follow Christ or stay on the path of mediocracy.
I read Luke 9:23 several times and looked at it as Christ was only speaking to the disciples. When you are not honest with yourself, you will always avoid the truth of God's words, "Follow Me."
Luke 9:23-24 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow Me. Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
This is a powerful statement, and I had to do some tough soul-searching. I began by asking myself some serious questions. The first question was, do I desire Him?
These words encourage all Christians to live a life devoted to Christ and His teachings. Through this verse, Jesus teaches us that we must constantly be willing to give up our desires for His will if we are truly going to follow Him. Taking up our Cross daily reminds us that life is not always easy, but it is worth it if we choose to put God first.
Being honest with God also enables us to confront our own shortcomings and seek forgiveness through a process of confession and repentance. By acknowledging, verbalizing (confession) and repenting (lit: changing our minds, turning away) of our sins, we begin the path (process?) of building a strong desire to leave the life of Christan mediocracy and walk on the path of righteousness.
It is easy to live a life of Christian mediocracy. Many men reading this must look at their lives and evaluate their dedication to Christ. I know that when I looked into the mirror and looked at myself through the eyes of Christ, I realized that I always rode on the rollercoaster of life. Let me put it this way: my walk with Christ had many ups and downs. Sometimes, I was close to God, and other times, I lived like a man desiring the things of the world. It is hard to come to that place where one becomes honest with oneself and see the mask of Christianity.
At times, I looked the part, but was I indeed a follower of Christ?
I went to Church.
I owned two Bibles.
I went to Vacation Bible School
My parents were Christians.
I went forward when they sang "Just as I Am."
I prayed before I ate
I took notes when I heard a sermon.
I went to Sunday School.
I checked all the boxes, but the question was, had I given my all to Christ? I would add that checking the boxes and responding to emotionally heightened moments in a worship service are not what the Christian life is about. A.W. Tozer once said that “Christians don’t tell lies… they just go to church and sing them.” Luke 9:24-25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and is himself destroyed or lost?
Checking the boxes is common among many Christians, but it is often done without genuinely living out their beliefs. This practice can be seen in how people attend Church regularly, give to charity, and even volunteer in their community. While these actions are admirable, they do not necessarily mean someone lives out their faith. Honesty with God is a fundamental aspect of strengthening our journey of pursuing Christ. When it comes to our relationship with God, honesty forms the bedrock of trust and authenticity. It is through being sincere and open with God that we can truly connect and grow spiritually.
Then the question is, why do so many Christians check the boxes of religion without genuinely living out what they believe? We will examine the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore potential solutions for those who want to live out their faith more authentically. By understanding why people check the boxes but don't live out what they believe, we can create a more robust Christian community based on genuine faith rather than empty rituals. Honesty with God is a fundamental aspect of any spiritual growth.
How one starts one's life is essential (This is kind of a confusing sentence); however, how one ends one's life is more important. C.S. Lewis said “You can’t go back to change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” It's imperative that at the end of your walk on earth, your foundation is secure and strong in Christ. No matter your age, pursuing God's calling in your life is not too late. You are moving from where you are currently to fulfilling His will passionately. Not to be satisfied with milk as a child but to become a mature Christian teaching others about Christ and standing on the foundation built on the promises of God.
Hebrews 5:12-14, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who, by constant use, have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
"Our goal should be to become men who aspire to be more than just another person with average faith, but rather someone fully committed to the kingdom of God. Someone whose foundation remains solid through all challenges, just like a rock."
Be honest and ask yourself, "Have I been the man God wants me to be?" By expressing our true thoughts, feelings, fears, and desires to God, we create a space for vulnerability and growth. It is through this honesty that we can seek guidance, find solace in times of difficulty, and experience genuine transformation.
This has nothing to do with a legacy approved by the world. It is not about how much money you have, how big the house is, the vehicle you drive, or how much you have saved for retirement. But the "Legacy" of your walk with Christ. God said to me, stop making excuses; start living the way I want you to live by becoming a man of God and becoming a man of honor.
At a conference dedicated to teaching Christians to become stronger imitators of Christ, the speaker gave the definition of an imitator and an imitation. I had to be honest and ask, "Have I been an imitation of a Christian or an imitator of Christ?" I came to this place of being honest even though I knew that being honest makes one vulnerable. The definition of honesty is scary. Honesty: freedom from fraud or deception, being genuine, honest, and marked by integrity.to teaching Christians to become stronger imitators of Christ, the speaker gave the definition of imitator an imitation. I had to be honest and ask, "Have I been an imitation of a Christian or an imitator of Christ?" I came to this place of being honest even though I knew that being honest makes one vulnerable. The definition of honesty is scary. Honesty: Freedom from fraud or deception, being genuine, honest, and marked by integrity.
Imitation: not genuine: something produced as a copy: COUNTERFEIT
An imitator is a person who copies the behavior or actions of another.
Being honest takes courage and does make one vulnerable. It can open oneself up to being physically or emotionally wounded and even open to attack or damage. I had to say to myself, "Stop Lying," stop lying to yourself, others, and God. The justification for not always being honest was, "People won't like me if they know me." When others don't know you, it makes you feel better about yourself. I found that I was wearing a mask at Church but living in darkness during the week. At times, I lied because I was so attached to the mask.
Ephesians 5:8-14: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything illuminated becomes a light. Therefore, it is said:
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Proverbs 12:22 — "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in trustworthy people."
Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
t all begins with the desires of your heart. As one looks at their life and evaluates the things that brought them to the place of “why is my life so far from God?” It is pretty much the same for each of us.
Your desire becomes your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny.
All are weak, sinners, enemies, wretched men only saved by the reconciliation of God through the Cross.
The result of Adam's sin changed the nature of man forever. (What the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies.) That statement was true for Adam and continues to be true today. Without Christ, one will find that our thoughts are as follows:
1. Depraved
2. Corrupt
3. Unrighteous
4. Selfish
5. Wicked
6. Unloving
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
I know that I often found myself living a less than pleasing life to God. The good news was that the Holy Spirit quickened my heart, and I fell on my face at the foot of the Cross. It was like somebody had lifted an enormous weight off my whole being. God took my darkness and covered me with His light. You see, we must all look at ourselves and be honest about the things that are not worthy of calling from God. In this twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul reminds us of how all followers of Christ should live. One must ask themselves, "Am I different from the ways of the world?" So, I asked myself, "Do I dare to be different?"
Colossians 3:2-5 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.…
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
And I remind myself: All have sinned. Paul tells us that all know God through His creation. Romans 1:20. Since the world's creation, God's invisible qualities, eternal power, and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Then Paul reminds us that our conscience tells us we all know God. Romans 2:15, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) but rejected Him.
Then, He continues to include the Jews as they have God's law but are not righteous.
Romans 2:25-For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
Justified by faith.
The righteousness of God comes to all humanity through Christ's death. (3:21-26)
Therefore, we are Justified by faith alone. (3:27-31). Abraham was not justified by his works but by faith (4:1-25). Once justified by faith, we triumph even in sufferings (5:11). We gained death by Adams's sin and eternal life through Christ's obedience (5:12-21).
In Chapter Twelve, Paul moves from the doctrinal part of the letter to the practical application of how followers of Christ should live. Paul starts with a general appeal, covering the whole Christian life. From this, he proceeds to the spirit and temper that ought to characterize Christians as members of the same society, dwelling especially on the graces of humanity and love.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God is.
As we look at the first verse in Chapter Twelve, Paul begins with the word Beseech. Using this strong word ensures that all believers understand the importance of this message. That is evident in the meaning of the Greek word Parakalo: Παρακαλῶ (Parakalo) is the Greek word for Beseech. It has several meanings: Beg, urge, implore, plead, or provoke. Then Paul uses the Greek word οὖν, (oun): Therefore, to connect the two parts of the epistle, not formally but really, to show the dependence of the "practical" upon the "doctrinal." This practical understanding brings one to a new world of realities. This new world of realities is that we must have, “a change.” This change begins by not being conformed to the things of the world. The word conformed means; “conformed to the pattern.” The Greek word is suschēmatizō (#4964 συσχηματίζω), which means to be formed or conformed to a mold or pattern.
The Devil has an agenda to make the world and the people in it more and more ungodly. Christians will be rewarded for not conforming to the pattern of the age but remaining Godly. We must become people with a strong faith and a desire to transform our minds, which begins with honesty. The renewing of our minds begins by not conforming to the ways of the world but having a strong desire to conform to the ways of God.
I leave you with this; Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Journal
When one begins the path of honesty the first stage is; “What changes do I need to make?” Write one of the first changes you must make to begin on the path of honesty?
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What actions do you need to take in making this change a reality?
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List some men of Christ willing to help keep you honest.