There isn’t a single person who doesn’t judge the honesty of a friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, parent, teacher or boss…anyone who has a vested interest in our lives.
We do it daily, over time and we’re often unaware of it.
Personally my view of honesty within my own life has changed drastically through performing a personal inventory. I realized that although I didn’t often speak lies, I was consistently self-serving. I could bend the truth to suit my needs easily. Manipulation of the truth within my own moral compass was a regular occurrence for me.
This was one of my character defects which I asked God to relieve me of.
I worked hard to rid myself of this behavior, consistently being honest with myself, in tune with my desires, emotions and expectations of others.
The day came where I couldn’t justify any of the above questions having an answer of yes.
It was one of those uncomfortable times, when I shouted in rebellion at God.
“Are you serious God, you really want me to pay for songs on my iPhone that I hear for free on the radio? Seriously is this necessary, haven’t I changed enough?”
It was like He was patiently nodding at me, that nagging feeling in my gut made me shut down the pirate site and head on over to iTunes.
My perspective on honesty had changed.
I don’t measure honesty against other people’s perception anymore; I measure it against God’s now.
After living with this new level of honesty in my life for some time now it’s easier. Sure there are times when I still have an internal toddler style temper tantrum at God but ultimately my view and expectation of myself hasn’t changed.
Have you been rigorously honest with yourself lately; do you have the integrity you desire in others?
Deuteronomy 25:15-16
You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.
The deception of others is nearly always rooted in the deception of ourselves. . . . When we are honest with another person, it confirms that we have been honest with ourselves and with God.
i love that daily reflection. it's just eerie how that book hits the nail on the head so often. well maybe since i definitely earned my seat in the rooms it's not so strange :) loved this post
Great post! I stumbled across addressing my honesty when I came to Christ, and I noticed it simultaneously as I went through AA steps. I am amazed how often so many of the concepts parallel each other through Christianity and AA. Of course honesty is something everyone should strive for, but I don't think too many people take an inside look at themselves. This was an awesome perspective.Thanks for posting this. :-)
Very Nice Post;Isn't it true, We must guage our own integrity by our God and That truth that lies in each of us. As we progress through the Program of Recovery laid out in the 12 steps, The Road becomes narrower and narrower, however the rewards are astoundong
@Mary Nevin Oh this book speaks to me all too often. Frankly I wish I had began reading it long before my first drink.
@RobinThe key to my sobriety is Spiritual Success, the program and my faith are my tools which keep me "real"
@BILL That's exactly what I'm finding Bill, as I work on one area of myself God rewards me by showing me other areas which need work.
Honesty, openmindedness and willingnes! I got honest when I came into the program after years of dishonesty. It has been such a gift!
@soberandthecity I agree, it was a bit uncomfortable to adjust to but it's freeing.
I try to be very honest now…it's the stuff i was dishonest about then, how do you handle that? The lies are still hanging there. Do you reveal them all, continue to cover them, or keep putting it off?
@Writerly Wanna Be It's a very personal thing, for me it's a considering of the effect. Will making an ammends negatively hurt the person, my situation now, my family etc. comparing that to the postitive effect the ammends would have.
I just LOVE this post – honesty, integrity, trust …. these are the things that I wish for my girls. I tell them this all of the time … thank you for putting it out there this way – great job :)
your words are beautiful. we all need to be honest, and trust each other, the world has become such a crazy place.
great post!
You ask some tough questions. Stopping by from the Alexa Hop. You can read my Alexa Post here: How To Find Products To Review-Jen Makobi Scribe
@By Word of Mouth MusingsI have to thank you for reading my musings ;)
@Nicole ReneeI agree, life can qickly spin out of control if we allow it
@SkyeThank you Skye
You have made me stop and think. Thank you.Following from the Alexa hop.
"The deception of others is nearly always rooted in the deception of ourselves. . . . " Too true Thanks for the thoughtful post.Stopping in from the Alex Hop. Here's a link to my post if you want to check it out: http://www.mapleleafmommy.com/2011/04/check-it-out-independent-interviews.html
great post, God has a habit of pushing us in directions we find tough! stopping by from trdc link up…my post is called, sometimes i daydream if you want to stop by xxx
What a great article!BLOG HOPping around with Alexa – I am now a follower of your blog, wont you also follow me?? ~KMKrafty Max Originals
I don't lie well. It thankfully limits my attempts. Though they are still there.Stopping from Time Travel Tuesday.