Looking for a spiritually honest person (Luke 6:10) with a story from the life of Theodore Roosevelt.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:10 (TM)

Jesus went on to make these comments: If you're honest in small things, you'll be honest in big things

STORY:

During his time as a rancher, Theodore Roosevelt and one of his cowpunchers lassoed a maverick steer, lit a fire, and prepared the branding irons. The part of the range they were on was claimed by Gregor Lang, one of Roosevelt's neighbors. According to the cattleman's rule, the steer therefore belonged to Lang. As his cowboy applied the brand, Roosevelt said, "Wait, it should be Lang's brand."

"That's all right, boss," said the cowboy.

"But you're putting on my brand," Roosevelt said.

"That's right," said the man.

"Drop that iron," Roosevelt demanded, "and get back to the ranch and get out. I don't need you anymore. A man who will steal for me will steal from me."

OBSERVATION:

Where can a honest person be found? We watch a lot of news in our house. Oh, what or whom to believe? We get two newspapers. Interesting how they can report on the same event and yet, report it two different ways. We listen to two members of congress who sit on the same committee and hear the same testimony, but arrive at two different understandings. Where can a honest person be found?

In a funny movie, Liar, Liar, sets up a situation where the individual has to tell the truth. He cannot help himself. The truth comes out of his mouth before he even knows what he is saying. Where can a truthful person be found?

Being honest isn’t really that hard so why do we twist the truth … just a little? Why do reporters slant the news towards a conservative or liberal point of view? Why do congressmen and women hear what they want to hear and react accordingly? Where can a truthful person be found?

If in our faith’s journey we practice honesty in small things then we will practice honesty in big situations. And so, this week we begin a journey of sorts. It is a journey that will take us towards Calvary as well as an empty tomb. It can be a journey of reflection and prayer. It could be a journey where we can be honest with ourselves. We just might open ourselves up to God’s reality … if we will but be honest with ourselves.

No more hiding from the truth. No more skirting the issues of our spirituality. No more twisting reality to fit our perspective. No more half-truths. No more! Let’s begin to be honest in the small things of our spiritual journey so when confronted with the larger issues we will be honest with God, with others, but more importantly with ourselves.

Here’s to an open and honest Lenten journey.

PRAYER:

God we are good at hiding from the truth. We have become experts. We steal from our own integrity and thus, from your Kingdom. Come journey with us. Help us face reality.