-April 22, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.”
(Leviticus 19:26).
Honestly is rare in our world today. As believers we must be honest to our words, tell the truth; and be honest in our lives before both God and men. We belong to Jesus and we follow a higher standard. Think how many times we must choose to be honest, even if goes against us financially. We have a moral obligation, but more than we have a spiritual obligation. We have a testimony to attain and maintain.
In the days of the Israelites of old, God told them that they were His people, a special treasure. In today’s verse, Moses uses the word honest four times: honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. Each of these speak of standards and measurements. This is especially true in business dealings, but extends to every aspect of our lives. In recent years we have heard of numerous cheating scandals. No on ever thinks that they will be caught. God has a way of bringing this sin to light. The penalties are severe.
Job wrote “Let me be weighed on honest scales. That God may know my integrity” (Job 31:6). God knows our thoughts, motives, desires, words, and actions. Nothing is hidden from him. His standards are higher than man’s. Proverbs 16:11 says, “Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work (or concern).” It it isn’t easy to attain and maintain honesty, but we can do it by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The story is told of President Theodore Roosevelt during the days he was a rancher. One of his cowpunchers lassoed a maverick steer, lit a fire, and prepared the branding irons. The part of the range” they were on was claimed by Gregor Lang, one of Roosevelt’s neighbors. According to cattlemen’s rule, the steer belonged to Lang. as the cowboy applied the brand, Roosevelt said, “Wait, it should be Lang’s brand.” “That’s all right boss,” said the cowboy. “But you’re putting on my brand,” said. Roosevelt. “That’s right,” said the man. “Drop that iron,” Roosevelt demanded, “and get back to the ranch and get out. I don’t need you anymore. A man who will steal for me will steal from me.”
May our word be our bond, and honesty our hallmark in all our dealings, in the light and in the dark, when no one is looking or whether they are. There is no room for lying, cheating, or stealing. It is always wrong. We must adhere to biblical standards, God’s standards. Actions speak louder than words. Have a blessed, safe, and healthy day.
Honesty is a way of life in Christ,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 