A Test of Honesty

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

Have you ever questioned your own integrity and been found wanting? I have. When I read Scripture I find myself not measuring up. That’s not necessarily a problem, as none of us will ever meet the standard in this life. What I don’t like is when I claim to believe something that my life clearly denies.

TEST

1. Do you believe Jesus when He says, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15)? I define materialism as enjoying the things of life independent of glorifying God. Do our lives reflect that we believe this teaching of Jesus?

2. Do you believe the Apostle Paul when he said, “And in food and raiment let us be therewith content” (I Timothy 6:8)? If you lost your home as many did in the devastation of hurricane Katrina, would you be content if you still had food and clothing?

3. Do you believe that God will give back to you in abundance if you sacrificially give to Him? “Give and it will be given unto you…” (Luke 6:38).

4. Do eternal rewards mean more than temporal treasures? If push comes to shove, does your life clearly showcase an eternal perspective?

5. Do you believe that prayer and Bible study are priorities for the believer? How is it going?

6. Do you believe it is better to give than to receive? Would your checkbook and credit card statement reflect this?

7. Do you believe that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us? Who in your life is presently the beneficiary of that belief?

8. Do you believe that truth and morals are absolute? Do you find yourself looking for ways around this?

9. Do you believe that we should flee youthful lusts (I Timothy 2:22)? Does that belief reflect in your clothing, TV, movie, and magazine diet?

10. Do you believe that you are a pilgrim passing through a strange land?

You and I believe only what we act on. All the rest is just religious talk. That’s the way I see things.