EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Counting the cost of deception
By Russell Stephen Pang
Jesus' integrity is reflected in his honesty. He is our moral example, and we are created in his image. Yet few embrace his lifestyle of total honesty.
Lest I seem sanctimonious, I am an avowed sinner desperate for God's grace. However, my hope is for a lifestyle of complete honesty for myself and for others.
As we ponder our daily interactions with family, friends and acquaintances, ask: How honest are we? Do we really say what we mean, and do we really mean what we say? Do we truly share from our hearts, or are our comments massaged to fit each scenario?
Does the euphemism "little white lies" ease our conscience whenever we are less than truthful? Sure, we can rationalize: We don't wish to hurt someone's feelings; we want people to like us; everyone else does it; etc. But do we count the cost of deception? Do we realize each lie erodes our moral being and tears us away from God and his value system?
Consider two scenarios: The first could occur in any government, board, church, etc. How many senior staff members, board members or elders sit through meeting after meeting and fail to share what is truly in their hearts? Again, measured speech can be justified: Strong-willed leaders can be intimidating; our comments could be misperceived as divisive; we want to be known as team players; etc.
Yet Scripture is clear. "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established."
Will the ultimate decision be best without the free exchange of all thoughts? Shouldn't contrary ideas be seen as cautionary rather than as divisive? When leaders spin their "unity" mantras, are they merely protecting their agendas, shielding their inflexibilities or hiding their insecurities?
The second scenario is reflected in the "American Idol" phenomenon, a show 30 million people watch twice weekly. A poll on the show's Web site asks, "What are you most looking forward to?" Of four options, the two with the highest response are the singers' performances and judge Simon Cowell's comments, both at about 35 percent.
Cowell, while completely forthright, is brutal at times. Nevertheless, when asked their favorite judge, many singers choose Simon because of his unabashed honesty and their belief that criticism is beneficial if accepted with the correct attitude.
Could Simon better express his comments and show greater sensitivity? Absolutely, because complete truthfulness doesn't excuse being rude or mean.
Will you forgo compartmentalized honesty and embrace an integrity lifestyle?
Maya Angelou said it well: "You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better."
Russell Stephen Pang is a member of First Presbyterian Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.
