What components make up the character of an honest man? Abraham Lincoln was frequently referred to as “Honest Abe”. In his “Notes for a Law Lecture” he writes himself, “resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” Even Steven Douglas who ran against Lincoln for the U.S. Senate in 1858 said, “He is as honest as he is shrewd, and if I beat him my victory will be hardly won.” Abraham Lincoln exemplified the character of an honest man.
During my senior year in high school, my friend had a doctor’s appointment during a school day. Unfortunately, we lived in a very small town and the doctor, much like everything else, was an hour’s drive away. My friend asked if I would like to accompany him on the trip there and back. A road trip during a school day? Absolutely!
Deception
I needed written permission from a parent to be able to go since I would miss a few classes. I was a good student, and this wouldn’t be a problem for me. All I needed to do was ask my parents for permission. Sadly, at this point in my young life, I was not like Honest Abe. I lied and forged my dad’s signature on an excusal form claiming that I had a doctor’s appointment. And I went on the road trip thinking I was so smart.
My teenage brain had not considered an important variable. I never missed class. I didn’t plan on a teacher calling my home to make sure I was ok. And if my doctor’s appointment was anything to worry about. Of course, my mother knew nothing about any appointment. And she told the teacher that I was definitely not at the doctor’s office. She informed the teacher that they would address this with me when I got home.
Disappointment
Ignorant of the situation and believing my deception a success, I arrived home at the same time as normal. My dad was sitting in our living room, waiting for me. This surprised me as he was normally not home when I arrived. I was busted big time.
It has been over 40 years since that day. Yet, I will never forget the look on my dad’s face or his words. “I’m so disappointed in you”. There was no yelling, nor anger in his voice, just complete disappointment. I loved my dad and always wanted to make him proud of me. But I had broken his heart that day, and worse yet, I knew I had disappointed God as well. Repentance was in order.
Character
George Washington once said: “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
Looking back, I wish I had learned to follow Washington and Lincoln’s counsel much sooner in life. I wish that I had never lied again following that dreadful day. But I was not that smart. I would need to repent frequently to learn this lesson until it was forged in my very soul that honesty is a requirement of a true disciple of Christ.
Commanded to be honest
In the recorded history of mankind, honesty has been taught since the creation of the world. Following Adam’s son Abel’s death, God gave Cain the opportunity to be honest about his heinous act. He asked Cain “Where is Abel thy brother? And he (Cain) said I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).
In the ten commandments in Exodus 20:16, God said: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”.
In Proverbs 6:16-19 there is a list of six things the Lord hates, “a lying tongue” and “A false witness that speaketh lies” are both included.
God knows your thoughts
I could go on and on, but I think the point is made. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest in your dealings with your fellow man, but more importantly, be honest with God. Be honest with Him as you kneel before Him in prayer. Honestly confess to Him your fears, your weaknesses, your trials, your goals, and your efforts to repent. In this way, we find true peace and are genuinely free.
Practicing honesty in all we do is an effective way to show our love for God and His commandments. May we echo General Washington’s desire to possess firmness and virtue enough to have the character of an honest man (or woman)!
