“But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
The truth can often be hard to accept and even harder to live by. However, proverbs 21:3 reminds us, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” So striving for genuine authenticity in all aspects of life is important. Being open and honest with ourselves is a necessary part of becoming the best version of ourselves; it’s like being a diamond in the rough – once you take the time to uncover your true self and the unique characteristics that make you special, you will shine brighter than ever. Embracing genuine authenticity means removing damaging influences from our lives, eliminating bad habits, and focusing on what truly matters.
Sometimes, it also involves taking responsibility for our actions, being positive about our life choices, and doing what we believe is right despite potential consequences. Remember, the path to authenticity lies in the heart of honesty and integrity in everything we do. It’s a journey of discovery and exploration. It takes courage to be honest with yourself and others. It requires you not to lie or cheat. Honesty helps you to set a realistic goal for yourself that will lead you to achieve it.
Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he will also reap.”
When I was younger, I heard a parable about a farmer who had planted twenty tubers of yam on his farm, and then he went back to his village to inform his villagers and family to be expecting two hundred tubers of yam during the harvest season. The farmer was filled with mixed emotions as the harvest season drew near. On the one hand, he was delighted to see his 20 yams nearly ready for reaping, but on the other, he had a niggling guilt about having deceived everyone into believing that he had planted 200 tubers of yams when in reality, it was only 20.
The farmer harvested twenty truths of yam and one hundred eighty lies of yam in the same year. This story made me realize how important honesty is in life and to live with integrity. If we don’t have integrity, we cannot live the best of ourselves. We will never know our true selves if we continue to live in the false world. Honesty lays a bed of peace and comfort for those who embrace it. While dishonest, dig a pit of trouble and guilt. Honesty is the best medicine for a healthy relationship and the best way to live an authentic life. Amen. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but their duplicity destroys the unfaithful.” Amen.
Prayer:
1. Oh! Lord, thank you for the peace in my heart.
2. I pray that you may give me the strength to face this battle of lies and deception in Jesus’ name. Amen.
