THE SIAMESE TWINS OF SPIRITUAL PROWESS
by S. Franklin Logsdon, Bible teacher, former pastor Moody Memorial Church E v e r y growing Christian encounters difficulty in putting into actual practice what he so readily accepts mentally as being the truth of God for his life. Sooner or later, he will stand with Paul in Romans 7:18 and cry out of the distress of his heart, “ To will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not!” Much is said about the victorious life, but little seems to be experienced. We have been urged on in quest of this coveted status. We have meetings for dedication, conse cration, reconsecration, surrendered life and volunteering for “full-time” service. It is not our purpose to disparage earnest attempts, nor yet to speak lightly of the methods employed, but is there not a simple formula whereby we can translate the whole matter into understandable language — some way to make practical what to many has been so perplexing? After years of prayerful consideration of the “ deeper life,” it is our candid impression that generally Chris tians lack honesty. We are simply not honest with God. We say we believe His Word, but do we? If we believe what He tells us, we would do what He instructs; and, in doing what He instructs, we would realize the blessed status He has described. If I say I am living for the Lord when, in reality, I am catering to self, I am not honest. When I say, “ All things are possible through Christ Who strengtheneth me,” and then claim that I am unable to live a consistent Christian life, I am dishonest. To say the least, it is glaring inconsistency. We not only lack the necessary honesty, but we lack the required courage as well. And what is courage but trust in action, faith carrying out its assignments regard less of the cost. Courage in Christian endeavor is that quality which withstands caustic criticism and base ridi cule, then proceeds undeterred in spite of the threats and opposition of Satan. Courage is the backbone of loyalty. Honesty dictates the course and courage pursues it. Few of us would be cited for gallantry in Christian con quests. When we lack courage, our convictions lack challenge, and the cause of Christ suffers irreparably. There can be no bona-fide victorious life unless we are consistently honest with God and constantly courageous for Him. Honesty with God Paul presented plain facts about honesty; but then, all facts about honesty are necessarily plain. It is dishon esty which seeks concealment. Honesty can stand the closest scrutiny, while dishonesty breaks down under the test. Dishonesty struggles for defense, but honesty is stalwart in its strength. Dishonesty lives in fear of its discovery, but honesty is open-faced and unsuspecting. Honesty is more than a virtue; it is the strong sinew of integrity. It is the steel crossbeam upon which responsi bility firmly rests. It is the dynamic which produces prestige, promotes reputation, and portrays principle.
It is the solid, reinforced footing upon which the concrete foundation of dependability is built. It is the bond of confidence in every worthwhile relationship. It dissipates doubt in dealings, adds assurance to promises, and pro cures the richest of privileges. When honesty weakens, character disintegrates. Honesty is the escort of trustworthiness. It cannot for sake at play and be found dependable at work. It cannot default at home and be faithful in public. It cannot fail in private life and truly function in spiritual endeavors. It knows no dual standard. If it is allowed to assert itself in the real business of life, it will be found the same tomorrow as it is today. It will dictate one’s decisions; it will rebuke unsound suggestions; it will recoil from unfair practices.. It is the towering indispensable in both moral and spiritual realms. Honesty is a basic essential in all forms of uprightness. Honesty underlies all the moral and spiritual precepts in the Word of God. Observe four pertinent points of interest: (1) Honesty not only originates in the heart, but ap propriates from the heart the tenets of truth. “ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Lu. 8:15). Thus, it requires honesty to give proper attention, permanent retention, and patient intention to the precepts of Scripture. (2) Honesty displays itself in a favorable and com mendable reputation. “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this busi ness” (Acts 6:3). While the presence and power of the Holy Spirit combine to produce both wisdom and integ rity in the experience of an individual, the person for spiritual assignment must have a reputation for honesty. If one’s influence for Christ is to reach out perceptibly in any field of endeavor, this same characteristic is a definite “must” in that life. (3) Honesty should clothe our thoughts, for thoughts motivate our actions. “ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest . . . think on these things” (Phil, 4:8). Thoughts prime the initia tive, plan the procedure, presage the action and ponder the development. If honesty characterizes our meditation, it will control our ministry. (4) Honesty should characterize our conversation and our conduct. “ Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God” (I Pet. 2:12). The point is, honorable conduct, motivated by honesty, will have an inevitable reward even though one is currently being defamed as a questionable person. If we are honest with God, we will “prove all things,” “ hold fast that which is good,” and “ abstain from every form of evil.”
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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