"Honest Conduct"
. . . provide things honest in the sight of all men." Romans 12:17 KJV. This scripture needs application to the life of the child of God today. We must let this principle guide us in conducting our affairs at all times.
Christ wants us to live for Him. Romans 12:1-2. Christians are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. (Matt. 5:13-16). Christians who are truly interested in making heaven their home will not be found engaging in things that are characterized as "worldly" being of this world.
Usually, when we think of "worldly" things, we begin to list such things as; mixed bathing, shorts or other immodest apparel, drinking, fornication, and such-like. And indeed these items are sin; they are of this world; I John 2:17.
But often, many small sins are overlooked, and these are probably the sins that will cause us to be lost. Such things as; matching nickels at coffee-break time; laughing at someone's filthy jokes (even though you may not tell them yourself); or criticizing the Lord's church — the preacher, elders or some members. Or, as many do, when taking a vacation, take a vacation from the Lord's worship and service, (as the little girl said when starting to California,) "Good-bye God, we're going on vacation."
The children of God should do better than this. We need to have honest proper conduct at all times. See Col. 4:5-6.
In several instances, over the years, I have known of those who were members of the Lord's body, who would, when starting on or returning from a trip, would phone relatives person-to-person asking for someone they were sure wasn't there to signal their safe arrival. They are evidently too cheap to pay for the phone call. I believe such to be a sin. It is not the amount of money involved. The phone company says you can call anywhere in the United States for a $1.00 or less (at specified times). It is the principle of deceiving and tricking the phone company. Would you jeopardize your soul for a $1.00?? This is a violation of the Golden Rule (Matt. 7;12), trying to get something for nothing.
Brethren, let us conduct ourselves honestly in the sight of all men, realizing that we hide from God. (Heb. 4:13). Do you really want to go to heaven?
— 1802 Caroline Street, South Bend, Indiana 46613