Like Honest Abe, we all have it in us

     Honesty is the best policy. A phrase I've heard since I was a child. 

     Webster's dictionary says, a policy is "a sensible, wise or shrewd plan."  What does it mean to be honest? Again, the dictionary says — "one who is trustworthy, not given to lying, stealing or cheating, sincere, not criminal."  

     So, what does honesty look like?  I recently read a story about a vending machine malfunction. It seems the coins kept returning, along with the chosen candy bars. The response to the dilemma — noted by an observer — was quite amazing. 

     Some people — after trying once and realizing there was a problem — left it and walked away. Another, surprised at his good fortune, filled his pockets while texting a few of his buddies. No one bothered to use their phone to alert the company. 

     We often feel that those who are brazen enough to steal boldly, should get caught. Most of us, at times, fool ourselves into believing we are basically good people. Meanwhile, when we are presented with a situation where lying, cheating or stealing could prove an advantage without being detected, it's easy to fall prey to the temptation. 

     

     I've heard that many university students regularly cheat on exams, while the professor turns a blind eye. It makes one wonder how valuable are their diplomas. 

     Almost daily, we hear of another dishonest politician in the news, but — "you may be sure that your sin will find you out."  (Numbers 32:23). 

     

     God has given us His laws so that we may order our lives to be a benefit to society. We find them in the Bible in Exodus, Chapter 20, known as the Ten Commandments. 

     The last two address this subject.

"You shall not steal, ... you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour." 

     God's laws show us how short we fall in keeping them. There is no fear in God today, and no fear of the consequence of sin, (the breaking of God's laws) — only a fear of being caught, by the law, and sent to jail. 

So, what does honesty look like?    

     The 16th, president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was appropriately nicknamed "Honest Abe." 

     In earlier years — before being appointed to the presidency — he managed a country store. As in everything that he undertook for others, Lincoln did his very best. 

     On one occasion, as he counted his cash for the day, he discovered he had shortchanged a customer. He closed the store and walked a long distance to make good the deficiency. 

     Through the years, he carried his regard for the truth, while serving at the White House. For Lincoln, the truth was not worth sacrificing for any gain, no matter how great the gain. What an inspiration for our leaders of today!  

     Another story depicting honesty comes to mind — one a little closer to home.  

     My husband Nels, at 21 years of age, entered into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, while serving in the Canadian Military at the R.C.A.F. base at Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island. It was life-changing for Nels.  

     

      While there, he began to discover his focus for living. He realized there were situations from his past he must now make right before God and his fellowman. So, on one of his visits to his home province, Nels searched out the proprietor of the village store. 

     

     He confessed that he had stolen items from the man's store as a teen, while in high school. 

He asked for forgiveness and, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8), paying back four times the stolen amount, he settled the account. 

     During our many years together, I observed Nels' commitment to honesty and integrity. Our children still recall how their dad struggled with having company pens at home, bearing the Sears logo. He felt it might appear that he was stealing — taking advantage of his job. 

     But, it's God's love, through Jesus, that brings us forgiveness and empowerment, producing such qualities in our lives. 

     For it is "... not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6).    

"Honesty means... never having to look over your shoulder."

— beulah