(Narrative from the account recorded in
Acts 5:1-11)

Soon after the day of Pentecost, many of the newly converted Christians sold their houses and lands. They brought the funds to the apostles and “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:35). For a short while, these saints in Jerusalem shared all things in common as they daily fellowshipped and continued in the apostles’ doctrine. This practice was not ongoing in Jerusalem for long nor was it observed by Christians in other locations. It was not incumbent upon the Christians at Jerusalem to sell all of their possessions, but it was rather a voluntary act of communion and fellowship.

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Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. —Hebrews 13:18

The prayer request of the apostle Paul was that they would have a clear conscience and in everything to live honestly. May the Lord impress upon all people who have a desire to serve Him the importance of practical, daily honesty. We have been called to live a life of holiness without deceit. Read more

Subject: Honesty

Scripture Reading: Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. —Proverbs 12:22

Definition: Honest is defined as, “Free of deceit; truthful and sincere…morally correct or virtuous” (Oxford English Dictionary). Honesty is the quality of being honest. “A refraining from lying, cheating, or stealing” (Collins English Dictionary).

Summary: God’s very nature is holy and true; He hates dishonesty of any kind. Christians are to be honest in every aspect of life—in word and in deed. Dishonesty is a moral violation and will result in eternal damnation.Read more

76% of people believe lying is acceptable in some cases.

24.1% of men have lied on their Facebook profile vs. 16.6% of women.

21.7% of men have lied on a resume vs. 16.3% of women.

51.7% of women have lied about their weight vs. 28% of men.

3% (of 1,254 Americans polled) said they lie often.

66% said they are seldom or never dishonest.

Females are more likely to lie to their parents and males are more likely to lie to their friends.

(2014 American survey by CreditDonkey.com)

(Summary of an ancient Chinese tale. Originally recorded by Demi.)

A story is told in China of a young boy named Ping. He loved flowers and whatever he grew would always blossom into a beautiful flower. In the kingdom where Ping lived, the emperor had no son, and he needed a successor. The emperor, who also loved gardening, distributed flower seeds to boys throughout the kingdom. Whoever grew the most beautiful flower from his seeds would become the next emperor. Ping carefully planted the seed from the emperor in a pot with rich soil. He watered and cared for the seed, but nothing happened.Read more