Being honest means that we use words to express what reality is to us (more feeling to fact). On the other hand, hypocrisy (or image management, as I call it) means that we use words to cover up what reality is. In the world of honesty words are the currency. However, there are many counterfeit expressions that have been created to be spent in place of cost of honesty.
Honest people use words to express and evaluate. Not all their words are refined. Sure, honesty is not only awkward for the honest person, but for the listener as well. However, when we are honest with God, He is never taken back by the things we will say “For he knows the words before we even speak them” (Psalm 139:4).
Those who are good at image management are usually better with their words than those that are willing to bear it all. They have their spiel down that spins reality just enough to not have to show things for what they really are. This is the ‘Management’ part – they are having to keep track of what details are given to who and have to ensure that we don’t paint ourselves in a corner by processing too much or giving the wrong piece of information to the wrong person.
Image management is exhausting. A life of authenticity is eternally rewarding.
