April 22 Devotion: Honesty Starts Within

Honesty Starts Within

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Have you ever worked on a job and seen someone up for a promotion (may even be you), not get that promotion, and then complain about it? They’ll begin to list all the qualifications on why they deserved that promotion. We are all quick to point out the good we have in our lives, and then wonder why we don’t get what we “want” in our lives. We live like the Pharisee and compare ourselves to the publican instead of comparing ourselves to Christ. Our text verse tells us that when we don’t do what’s right it is sin. There is no big or little sin. The Bible makes it clear that wrong is wrong! We can’t ignore what the Bible tells us to do and then expect all the blessings of God in our lives. Too often we live and think we are where we need to be because we aren’t a “bad” person. Regardless of the sin, we can’t be used if we have sin in our lives. It doesn’t matter what that sin is. You don’t have to be a murderer, or sitting in jail to not be right with God. Telling “little white lies” is just as wrong. It’s God’s desire to use us, but He can’t when we aren’t honest with ourselves in where we are in our relationship with Him. We will quickly focus on the good, and ignore the bad. We have a tough time putting certain sin out of our lives, or doing what God wants us to do and it keeps us from growing in the Lord!

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Do you have what YOU call “little sin” in your life? What is that sin keeping you from?

God bless you today!

Bro. Josh Richardson