I am using John Wesley’s Holy Club examen questions to examine my own life.

2) Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

Honesty is one’s truthfulness to oneself. You deserve to know the truth about yourself. Truth sets us free. Sometimes the process is lengthy. With truthfulness to ourselves, we can see the truly unpleasant things within us: the ulterior motives, the selfishness, the neglect, etc. These troubles impact others as well as ourselves. Mostly, our internal unpleasantries cut us off from blessings that could be ours if we were more open. We cannot forgive ourselves if we don’t address the need.

This past week, I attended several Know Your Rights events, aimed at preparing local families for for possible troubles. The precautions being taken due to the threats of a billionaire are truly awful. I had to remind myself of a biblical concept: once you know something, you cannot pretend you don’t know it. Knowledge makes us responsible. This is true for sin and the law. It is also true for injustices in our world. Now that I have seen the injustice being planned, I cannot pretend to not see it.

I also found a way to say what is true at work. That took a great deal of self-examination and courage. I said what was necessary…and it felt better. Some truths didn’t need to be said, as they would likely have caused more harm than good. So I’ll carry that understanding with me and let it help me become a better person.

Am I honest in all my acts and words? Probably not 100%. But there were some breakthroughs.