We tackled honesty and its aspects that involves keeping in trust any possessions of others and guarding their secrets. A mistrustful person cannot deceive people for a long time as his deceit would come to light one day. A loyal person should be honest in all his deeds and that is the way he shows his honesty. As it is said, “The tree is known by its fruits; a man by his deeds”. “A thousand words can’t make the mark a single deed will leave”. Henrik Ibsen
Once upon a time there were three close friends who decided to go to the big city to search for a job. During their journey the youngest of them had found a box full of money. It was left on the road. He hasted in joy to give it to his friends who were so glad of that. Then, they asked him to go buy them some food. When he came back, he found his friends crying telling him that the money went with the wind. While they were searching for it, they heard a voice. It was the tree asking them to stop searching as it took the money. The young man was perplexed and he found that it is impossible that a tree can talk or even take something. So, he went to the governor of the city screaming that he found a tree that spoke and stole their money. The governor sent the minister with the young man to check whether he was lying or not. The minister found the tree and asked it if it really had taken the money. The tree answered him that it really had taken it and would never give it back. The minister was amazed and he sent for the prince to come in person to witness that strange incident. The prince came and asked the tree to give them the money back or he would cut its roots and burn it. The tree told him that he has no control over it. Then the prince ordered to cut the tree and set fire to it. All of a sudden a man got out of the tree asking forgiveness of the prince and telling him that he was a poor fisher and the young man’s friends had asked him to hide in the tree and tell his friend that it took the money; so that they can keep the money for themselves. Accordingly, the prince punished the two friends and the fisher. Thus, deeds are the best proof of one’s reality.
Furthermore each one of us has a role that he should honestly fulfill as he is entrusted on it before God. For instance, parents are responsible for their kids; to bring them up in a healthy atmosphere, take care of them and offer them good role models. They are also entrusted on taking decisions for their best. The same goes for all who hold a responsibility. It is biblically mentioned that you should be honest till death and it is a commandment of God to be honest at all the aspects of life. Thus, He will reward you.
Last but not least, leading a dishonest life will result in the destruction of man. Therefore, be honest before God. Resemble Him in all your deeds and keep His commandments and teachings.
Be honest to yourself; take good care of it. Be honest in evaluating all your action and do not turn a blind eye to your demerits.
Be honest to others in your promises and actions. Thus, God’s blessings will adorn your life.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
