Are you
sincere - before God, yourself, and others?
Only those
who know their value as children of God can be truly sincere. Like young
children, they haven’t learned how to deceive yet. Children are naturally
honest when asked a question; they respond spontaneously, without calculating
or overthinking. That is why we love children.
As we
mature, however, we often become slaves to the opinions of others. We begin
serving their expectations, constantly trying to please them. As a result, we
fall into using white lies and deceiving others.
The Apostle
Paul teaches us how to respect ourselves and one another: treat others as you
would treat Christ. Remember that you live in the constant, loving presence of
your heavenly Father. As Christians, it is our calling to live as true servants
of the Lord. Therefore, we are to do the will of God from the heart (Eph 6:6).
Only when we choose to fulfill God’s will can we serve with true joy and
enthusiasm. Otherwise, we grow weary, lose heart, and become discouraged. God
the Father rewards those who are sincere in heart.
For this
reason, we must imitate the Son of God - Jesus Christ. He exercised His power in
truth and righteousness, completely clothed in the armor of God. Even in His
humanity, He lived continuously in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
In this way, He stood firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11).
Let us
reflect on our own spiritual lives. Do we truly rely on God’s power and
strength, or do we rely on our own human strategy against evil? We can be
certain of victory only when we put on the whole armor of God. Human words and
actions alone are far too weak to overcome evil.
Let us obey
our heavenly Father, for this is right (Eph 6:1). Let us also honor and love
those around us as we share the Good News. May we raise our families and
encourage one another in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4).
