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14th July 2024
SundayReflection
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Pastor Amara Uwaeziozi shares
President of the Master's Vessel Ministry
'Essential Christian Vitues - Honesty'
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Let us look at the command:
Our text in Exodus 20:16 is the ninth commandment.
GOD himself handed this law to Moses so as to guide the day-to-day lifestyle of his people in relation to his fellow human beings.
GOD prohibited peddling of falsehood against one's neighbours.
That is why HE said in Matthew 5:39, "Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no', 'no'.
GOD demands that we tell the truth at all times.
Christians are expected and empowered to speak and live the truth, even if they have to suffer for it.
It has become commonplace for people who claim to be Christians to alter truth or even tell blatant lies whenever it will be to their advantage or help them avoid other problems.
What a tragedy!
The adage, "trust but verify" will not have been applied to those who profess Christianity if we are practicing the teachings of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Why do politicians make false promises? Their stock in trade?
Must you make dishonest promises to win an election?
False measuring devices: the alteration of scales for weighing market items is a common form of deception.
Hear what the bible says in Proverbs 20:23:
The LORD detests deferring weights, and dishonest scales do not please HIM.
Good people know the right thing to say, but evil people only lie.
Sometimes advertisements project wrong project wrong images of products.
This leads to deceit.
Abusing workers is a form of dishonesty.
Many employers make extra profit by underpaying workers.
James 5:4 says,
Look the wages you have failed to pay the workers who mould your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the LORD Almighty
Let's then look at the consequences of dishonesty.
What actually leads people to live in dishonesty?
They fear the consequences of truth.
The consequences of lying is worse than what one can suffer for dishonesty.
One who tells lies cannot be trusted.
It has been said that it takes a life time to build up reputation but it takes a moment to tear it down.
It is important you make a commitment to always tell the truth in every circumstance to promote your reputation.
One dishonest act often leads to another.
Gehazi approached Naaman and told him that Elisha has sent him to collect a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.
This story is found in 2 Kings 5:22.
Naaman released the items to him.
Later on when Gehazi came in and stood before Elisha, Elisha asked him, where have you been, Gehazi?
In verse 25, Gehazi replied, Your servant didn't go anywhere.
Can you imagine that?
The consequence of that dishonest behaviour is found in verse 27.
In that verse 27 Elisha pronounced a verdict:
"Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever."
Sometimes instant death may be the consequence of dishonesty.
In the New Testament a couple decided to be dishonest.
Ananias and Sapphira sold a landed property.
They had their liberty to bring in any fraction or percentage they want to give to the body of Christ.
But rather they kept back some and pretended that all that they brought was a complete amount realized from the sale of the land.
The HOLY SPIRIT would not have such a dishonest behaviour at that new beginning of the church.
They died.
Dishonesty also leads to hell.
In revelation 21:8 the bible says, that the cowardly - the unbelievers, idolater and all liars: their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur.
Friends, you need to escape from the consequences of dishonesty and embrace honesty as a lifestyle.
I remain your friend Pastor Amara Uwaeziozi. GOD bless you real good
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'The Master's Vessel Ministry'
is an inter-denominational church that seeks to exalt Jesus, edify believers, and share the gospel of Christ that brings salvation to as many as have not known Him.
Our desire is that people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will hear the all-encompassing good news that is able to transform lives and set captives free.
We believe so much in the power of God's Word, and that is why we give so much attention to discipleship.
In a world of changing cultures and values, it is imperative that the truth and inerrancy of scripture be emphasized, for only such truth is able to make men free.
Therefore, we do not compromise the word of God in order to "conform" or be on the "right side of history".
Amara Uwaeziozi is the President of the Master's Vessel Ministry.
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
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BUGBROOKE,
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NN7 3PB
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