April 30 is Honesty Day—a day that celebrates honest communication in all facets of life. The day of truth telling bookends the same month that commences with a day of fibbing (April Fools’ Day). Why April is the month we dedicate holidays to truths and lies? That’s a topic for another day.
For now, we’re taking a look at the significance of what we say. How our truths and lies affect us as church leaders. How they affect us as parents, and how they impact the younger generations. And, more concretely, why we lie and why honesty should be our goal.
Our sister imprint, Beaming Books, has embarked on a yearlong Values Project. The following perspectives are compiled from their blog submissions during their exploration of the value of truth.
As the parents of two preteen boys, cowriters, and Christian ministry professionals, Kevin and Britta Alton know a thing or two about the “no one did it.” And, as former preteens, they know a thing or two about the drive for self-preservation.
In their blog post, “Two Truths and a Lie: Preteen Edition,” they assume some of the blame for the times dishonesty trumps honesty in their household. Their tip to help you break the cycle? Temper your own reaction to bad news to encourage truth-telling.
Self-proclaimed writer, photographer, teacher, super-volunteer, mama, and wife Tera Michelson addresses the elusiveness of honesty in a dishonest world in her blog post. She reminds us that dishonesty is no new behavior (just take a quick skim through the Old Testament—you don’t even have to get past the book of Genesis). Michelson reflects that the way to break the cycle for your kids is by starting with yourself. Follow the rules. Eschew white lies. “Make every effort to take honest actions.”
Mission coordinator and ordained teaching elder Jason Brian Santos makes a case that, as a child or a parent—there are situations where we will always naturally choose something other than the absolute truth. Whether it’s to save someone from embarrassment or avoid explaining something difficult to a young child, lies always hold a place in our lives.
So how can we be “generally-honest” and still remain Christ-honoring? Santos suggests we begin by being honest with ourselves about our desire and motivation to deceive. This acknowledgment helps us receive God’s abundant grace.
ELCA pastor Mary Lindberg says that teaching kids honesty helps them to live much more fulfilling lives. “They won’t have to live in a hiding, pretending sort of way if they can face up to truths, even hard ones. Learning to tell the truth is kind of like babies learning to comfort themselves; the skill can improve our whole being,” she writes in her blog post. Lindberg says living God’s truth means loving God and loving your neighbor—the greatest commandments. When we follow these commandments, we keep our lives honest, and vice versa.
Exploring the topic of honesty in and of itself can be a daunting task. Especially when we’re being honest with ourselves about the ways we fall short of the truth. Spend some time today analyzing and exploring your own tendencies and beliefs. And then step out intentionally into a more honest world that you help to create.
Check out the Beaming Books Values Projectfor more insight and inspiration on how to instill important values in kids to help them thrive.