HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6
Insincerity Distorts the Character
Insincerity carries yet another curse. I hardly think that there is any sin that mars and distorts the character like this one. That master theologian Augustine gave us a phrase that has become historic. He spoke of splendid sins. And perhaps there are some sins that in some lights, though not the light of God, have certain elements of splendour in them. But all the insight and all the love of Augustine could never find an element of splendour in the man or woman who had ceased to be sincere.
There is no sin that so eats the manhood out of us as insincerity. There is no sin that so robs the character of its quiet and restfulness and strength, and leaves it restless, shifty, self-assertive, loud. The nation has often wondered at the sweet equanimity of our revered Queen. And it was Bright who said the Queen was the most truthful being he had ever met. It is the insincere man who exaggerates. It is insincere who flatters. It is insincere who plays the coward in the crisis. When I have won something of the sincerity of Christ, I shall know something of His strength and peace.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW …..
