Honesty truly is the best policy

“The truth will set you free.”

— John 8:32

A new coaching client recently told me they came to me because they admired my wisdom. I have to admit any wisdom that I may have gleaned is due to my own mishaps, misalignments, mistakes and betrayals I’ve experienced through the years, along with my willingness to face the facts and be honest with myself.

We live in a culture where dishonesty seems to prevail. Just look at social media, advertising, politics and even in the religious arena. Everybody wants a platform, but many have a hard time being honest.

Then there’s the people we love — our friends and family members — who say one thing one time and something else the next, leaving us feeling confused.

Most of the time we are honest, but occasionally get caught up in what we consider “little white lies” in an attempt to protect ourselves or someone else. And, who knows? Maybe sometimes we do. However, I think in our attempt to protect others, we can damage our own soul. When all is said and done, we still feel a little guilt or disappointment with ourselves.

But the truth Christ informed us of isn’t about putting us on a guilt trip; it’s about uncovering what’s wrong and helping us heal. The healing starts when we are willing to come to God and examine our hearts about our sins and mistakes. He doesn’t condemn us. He gently guides us to look into the mirror of our soul to see the truth about what we think and do.

Our attempts must be met with honesty. Being truthful with ourselves and coming to an honest conclusion sets us free from all sorts of misunderstandings. It may take some time to discover, but it will change our perspective and make us a wiser, better person.

This journey can be started with a little prayer that I say often: “Lord, show me where I’m being deceived or dishonest, because you adamantly warn me not to.”

We can’t beat ourselves up over being dishonest in the past. But, moving forward, God assures us, “Honesty is the best policy.”

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.