The bane of tyranny; the champion of freedom
Most of us feel we are thinking for ourselves and have a semblance of objectivity, but if we are unaware or in denial of who or what is influencing us, we are standing on shaky ground. Watching a movie, taking in the news, listening to a sermon from pulpit or parent, or reading a blog, the motive to influence is always operating. The appearance of objectivity can be misleading, whether supported by audio, visual, statistical data, convincing reasoning - and just being aware of this is helpful.
Honesty is spiritual power, freedom from anxiety
In our society, honesty is a good thing, but is it a principle beyond what the law and social mores claim? In other words, can you get away with dishonesty if you are not caught and convicted, or if your conscience does not restrain you? It might appear so, but this is the limited human perspective.
Truth makes us free from what?
This morning I opened to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (from Paul to the Galations)
What's this all about? Free from what? Paul then went on to say "if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." "Christ shall be of no effect unto you, whosoever are justified by the law." Ouch!! to those faithful church-going types who do everything they are supposed to do...