The Challenge of Honesty
November 9th, 2009Monday’s Reflection
STRICT HONESTY WITH OURSELVES is crucial to the experience of deep inner change. We can confirm this fact by simple observation. Consider the individuals in groups you belong to. Who is growing in his or her relationship with God? Who is finding a new joy, peace, and serenity? Who is relating more freely and openly to others? Who is winning the battle against destructive addictions like gambling, overeating, or substance abuse? These are not necessarily the people who seem very religious, who know their Bible well, or who can recite the Twelve Steps. Most likely they are people who are just trying to be as honest as they can with themselves.
- Trevor Hudson
One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality
From p. 42 of One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2007 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What is your experience of deep honesty with yourself? Share as you feel led.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Christ … offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God.
- Hebrews 10:12, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Praying with Eyes Open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons is an ancient prayer practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image visually communicates. Try praying with icons.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11).
- Lectionary Readings:
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November 9th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Interesting. I just realized how often I look at myself through rose colored glasses. Father, forgive me. Father – be my magnifying glass – show me where my attention needs to be – the crevice of my heart that I try to hide from You – what foolishness. Let’s peer in there Father – get out the spotlight – give me the desire and courage to go there – for I go not alone. Lead me. Father – thank You for this bit of revelation this morning. And thank You for restoration.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:23 am
My problem with deep honesty is . . . it hurts. And it is a fine line between deep honesty and beating up on this Child of God who has been made in His likeness. I need always to listen carefully and be certain from whence the voice comes– and trust my gut. When God has something He wants to let me know– trust my gut. Loves me so much, wants only the very best for me. Let me know what that is, Daddy. Your best, not mine. Amen.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I just need help in this area. My issue is not being clear with others–scared I’ll hurt feelings? Lose them? Impair the relationship? Stir conflict? But the flip side is that I am not honest, I stuff and suffer and “it” comes out anyway–a blurt, an overreaction, weird behavior, worry. I have hurt me, lost something, impaired, stirred anyway but not honestly. I need God, friends that hold me accountable, counselors at times, thinking about that Wed night Al-Alanon—the help is there if I only reach out. Opposite of honest is untruthful, deception. Is my withholding worth this? Help me Lord, esp with
my son, esp with me.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:03 am
For many, many years, I was not honest with myself or others. I was hopelessly addicted to drugs, therefor I pretty much lied to everyone I love, not wanting them to know. I wasn’t honest with myself either. I was in denial about my addictions.
One morning, four months after my mom passed away, I was as low as a person could be. I looked in the mirror and saw death staring back. It was at that moment, I asked God to either save me or to take me.
I checked into a rehab facility that very afternoon.
While there, I reconnected with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His grace, mercy and love for me is why I’m in recovery today. Without Him, I know that I’d still be ‘out there’….or, I’d be dead.
I have found a wonderful church and I’m trying to live my life with God guidance. My days of drugs and lies and dishonesty are behind me. Nowadays, my walk with the Lord keeps me on a path of goodness. No, I’m not perfect by no means, but the difference now is that when I ’slip up’, the Holy Spirit is in my ear telling me to make amends to those I hurt or offend.
Father, thank You for the changes You’ve made in my life. I’m forever grateful.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Penny,
As a recovering person myself I realize each day the importance of honesty. According to the Big Book of AA, a person fails to maintain sobriety when he doesn’t have the ability to be honest with himself. That wisdom has been proven true so often, and certainly doesn’t contradict Jesus’ saying that “the truth shall set you free.”
–Free from all pretense, free to become the person God created you to be.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I too learned the life saving value of total honesty about myself in the AA program. It hurt but not as much as the alternative. I apply the same soul saving principles of honesty to my spiritual life . I have to face that I am mean, petty, selfish and greedy and the only good I ever do is completely the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 64:6 says it when it says “all our righteous acts are as filthy rags.”
As Penny said, I wasn’t even aware of much of the pain I caused others until the Holy Spirit started showing me and telling me that it isn’t all about me. Although it hurts, that pain is tiny compared to the agony of hearing, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Matt 7:23.