Be Honest 2.0

A few days ago, I posted about being honest with ourselves, finishing something well, and recognizing how easy it can be to deceive ourselves. This is just as important in the area of faith. I've found that much of what we call faith can be conforming to what we've been told to believe. This is not critical, just and honest assessment. How much of our faith comes from true spiritual growth of the inner man? The Apostle Paul implores us in Romans 12:1-2 that we are not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Transformation requires honesty. Conformity to a belief system can be accomplished through natural means. Transformation requires a surrender of the inner man to bring about a supernatural change. Has anyone ever asked you what you believe about a specific spiritual topic? Do you respond with the answer you were given or the doctrinal position of your church or faith? Do you believe that because you think it's right or because the Holy Spirit revealed that to you, giving you understanding and clarity? Both answers are OK as long as we're honest. Maybe respond to that person saying, "This is what I've been told and what I believe right now, but I need to learn more about it for myself." Have an honest and open discussion without the fear that this person will walk away with the wrong answer. Share what's on your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to do his work. Often, we have the privilege of planting seeds of truth through the conversation. Other times, we get to water or harvest truth. Only honesty and openness to God's Spirit will accomplish anything of lasting value.

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