The need for honesty
Somebody once asked me, "Do you really believe everything you write in the paper?" I knew they were referring to my editorials and columns on the "Opinion" page.
It's a valid question. The answer is yes, I definitely do. Why else would I worry so much about nearly every one before it's published?
What makes it really hard is that if I write words urging you to do something or take action, I've got to do the same. Anything else would make me a huge hypocrite.
Here's an example: I'm at my parents house last weekend, getting ready to head home. As I get in the car, mom reminds me to buckle my seat belt — after all, didn't I just write about that in the paper?
I did — so I buckled up the belt, even though I didn't want to. (See, I think there's some sort of conspiracy among seat belts to try to choke me to death in every car I ride in.)
The point of all this is, what I write in this space probably convicts me a lot more than it convicts you.
That's why what I'll say today is tough, because I will have to take it to heart as well. There's the rub!
I normally try not to "preach" here. This is a newspaper, and I don't think it's appropriate for me to write a devotional every week here.
Besides, not everything in the Bible is easy to hear. Much of it we may not want to hear because it's so convicting. Jesus himself even warned us of the Bible's potentially divisive properties (Matt. 10:34, Luke 12:51).
By now, you're thinking, "OK Jennifer, enough already
It's just a verse I read that struck home. It's about doing one thing but thinking another.
It's what I call the "fake smile" epidemic.
Here's the verse, Psalm 28:3 — "Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts."
The last part of the verse is what hits home: saying nice things with your mouth, but thinking evil things in your heart.
I know I'm guilty. I walk up to the lady at church who offended me last week in some petty way (thank you, Pastor Humber!) and say hello, offer the usual pleasantries. But inside I'm grumbling, thinking all sorts of bad stuff.
I'm putting on a show. It's all fake.
Maybe I should call it what God calls it: lying. And God hates lying — read Prov. 7:16-19 and see that for yourself.
I'm not saying we should go around spouting off whatever comes into our minds. That would be wrong too. We've got to be kind to others.
It's a tricky situation.
But what can we do? The only thing I can think of is to ask God for a change of heart. Be honest — maybe pray, "Lord, you know I have a problem with this person. But help me to love them like you love them, even if I don't want to. Change my sinful attitude."
I can't stand hypocrisy. If you are one thing and pretend to be another, that makes me very angry.
Honesty before God — and honesty before each other — is the only right choice.
Are you courageous enough to examine your own heart? Check yourself. Are you being honest before others?
More importantly, are you being honest before God? He's the one who sees everything you do, so He's the one you really need to worry about!
OK, sermon over. I promise.
— JENNIFER WILSON
