What role does honesty play in our relationship with God, based on 1 Kings 14:6? The scene in 1 Kings 14:6 “So when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps at the door, he said, ‘Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this disguise? I have been sent to you with bad news.’” (1 Kings 14:6) Jeroboam’s wife tries to mask her identity, but the blind prophet Ahijah knows exactly who she is because the Lord has already revealed the truth. The disguise fools neighbors, servants, and even her own eyes in the mirror—but not God. What the verse teaches about honesty • God exposes deceit the moment it appears. • The prophet’s question—“Why this disguise?”—shows that God expects open, unmasked dealings. • The “bad news” underscores that dishonesty invites judgment, not favor. Why truthfulness matters to God • God’s nature is truth. “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22) • Nothing can be hidden. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13) • Truth is the pathway to genuine worship. “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) Honesty and our heart-connection with God • God desires inward truth, not just outward appearances. “Surely You desire truth in the inmost being.” (Psalm 51:6) • Confession restores fellowship. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) • Concealed sin corrodes intimacy. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) • The early church learned this painfully through Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3-4). Practical ways to walk in honesty today • Begin prayer time with quiet self-examination; invite the Spirit to spotlight hidden motives. • Speak truth even when it is costly—half-truths are still lies. • Keep short accounts: confess sin promptly rather than letting it fester. • Cultivate accountability relationships where you can be fully transparent. • Let Scripture shape your integrity; memorize verses like Psalm 139:23-24 and Proverbs 12:22. • Remember that honesty is not merely moral duty—it is the doorway to deeper joy with the God who already knows and loves you. |
    |