Radio Transcript

THINGS HONEST IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN

Broadcast Date – November 4, 2001 on KCXY (Y95) - 95.3 FM

To the church at Rome, the apostle Paul wrote, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17). Friends, for the next few minutes let’s consider the latter portion of Paul’s words, "Provide thing honest in the sight of all men." The word honest as used here by Paul indicates that which is good, admirable, or becoming. It also has the ethical meaning of what is right, fair, honorable, pertaining to conduct that is deserving of honor (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

Paul’s admonition found in Romans 12:17 is similar to that found in II Corinthians 8:21: "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." Also consider Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Elsewhere, Peter wrote, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glory God in the day of visitation" (I Peter 2:12).

Every one of us ought to take notice of Paul’s words recorded in Romans 12:17: "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Most of us don’t need to be reminded to provide things honest in the sight of our friends. We don’t need to be reminded to provide things honest in the sight of those people we admire the most. We don’t need to be reminded to provide things honest in the sight of men whose opinions we respect. But Paul is here reminding us to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Paul is reminding us to provide things honest in the sight of those persons who are our close friends and in the sight of those persons who are our casual acquaintances. We are to provide things honest in the sight of those persons with whom we agree and in the sight of those persons with whom we disagree. Yes, we are to provide things honest in the sight of all men!

Friends, whenever we think of honesty, we think of our speech. We think of those things we say. And certainly, we must be honest in our speech. And yet, the commandment to provide things honest in the sight of all men extends far beyond what we say with our mouths. The need to provide things honest in the sight of all men also involves what we do. The commandment to provide things honest in the sight of all men includes the manner in which we interact with others. Friends, for the next few minutes let’s look at just a few of the ways we can make application of the commandment to provide things honest in the sight of all men.

First, providing things honest in the sight of all men includes providing things honest in the sight of our government. The scriptures clearly teach the need for and purpose of our government, as recorded in I Peter 2:13-15: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men". Peter’s words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, clearly teach that a civil government has the responsibility to punish evildoers and protect those who are innocent.

Peter’s words teach we are to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man. Our submission to Christ as king does not negate our responsibility to submit to our civil authorities. Elsewhere we read: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake" (Romans 13:1-5).

Paul’s admonition to provide things honest in the sight of all men, Romans 12:17, includes providing things honest in the sight of our government. How can we provide things honest in the sight of our government? Consider Romans 13:6-7, where Paul wrote: "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

At the time of Paul’s writing, the Jews were obligated to pay tribute to the Roman government. Surely many of the Jews must have resented this. After all, those Jews who were Christians served Christ as their king. And yet Paul taught that their citizenship in Christ’s heavenly kingdom did not eliminate their need to be subject to civil government.

Today, those persons who became Christians through their obedience to the gospel are citizens of Christ’s heavenly kingdom. Yet, those same persons are nevertheless obligated to subject to the authority of their civil government. One way they submit to this authority is by paying taxes. This must be done in a honest manner. Those persons who include illegitimate deductions on their returns or otherwise cheat on their taxes are not providing things honest in the sight of all men.

Second, providing things honest in the sight of all men includes providing things honest in the sight of our banks or other creditors. Unfortunately, as Christians we sometimes adjust our expectations to the same level as those around us. Sadly, we fail to be thankful for what we do have and become unhappy or depressed over something we would like to have but don’t. In contrast, God’s Word teaches we are to be content with what we have. Consider Paul’s words, written to Timothy: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. But they that will be rich fall into a temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (I Timothy 6:6-8). Elsewhere we read: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Consider Jesus’ words in Luke 12:15: "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Unfortunately, some people, because of their love of and desire for material things, choose to compromise their integrity. A person who knowingly borrows more than he is capable of paying back sins in so doing. Consider the words of Paul: "Owe no man anything, but love one another: for he that loveth another fulfilleth the law" (Romans 13:8). Paul could not have meant it is a sin for a person to take on any type of debt, for Jesus, in the parable of the talents, taught that the one talent man should have at least given his money to the exchangers in order that it might earn interest (Matthew 25:27). In considering Romans 13:8, someone has said that there is a sense in which we don’t owe a man until the day we are obligated to make payment.

However a person may interpret Romans 13:8, surely we are all in agreement that a person should not borrow more than he is capable of paying back. Those persons who do not pay their bills are wicked. Wait a minute! Those are pretty strong words, you say! Wicked! Murderers are wicked! Child abusers are wicked! But a person who does not pay his bills? Wicked? Well friends, that’s what the Bible teaches. Listen to the words of Psalm 37:21: "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."

When a person assumes more debt than he is capable pf paying back, he becomes a servant to his debt. Listen to the words of Proverbs 22:7: "The rich ruler over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

Third, providing things honest in the sight of all men includes providing things honest in the sight of our employers. God intends for man to work. Consider the inspired words of Paul, written to the church at Ephesus: "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). Friends, did you notice the phrase, "that he may give to him that needeth"? That’s right! One of the purposes of our working is to enable us to help others who are in need.

Also notice Paul’s words, recorded in II Thessalonians 3:10: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Also notice Paul’s words to Timothy: "But if any man provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Timothy 5:8).

Our relationships with our employers ought to be characterized by honesty. Consider the following: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free" (Ephesians 6:5-8).

How is it possible for a person to be dishonest with his employer? By lying about his expense account. By providing less than a day’s work for a day’s pay. A person who becomes involved at the workplace in doing things other than what his employer expects or requires him to do is not being honest with his employer.

Friends, let’s remember the words of Romans 12:17: ""Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Let’s remember to provide things honest in the sight of our government, our creditors, and our employers.

I thank you for your attention and hope you can be back next week.

Rod Halliburton