Honest and Good Hearts

And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have 

heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, 

and bear fruit with perseverance.

—Luke 8.15—

There are a couple of points to stress from this passage. First of all, as we raise our children and influence our grandchildren, nieces and nephews, let’s remember to instill in them honesty and goodness by our own examples of honesty and goodness. Most of us learn better (more permanently) not by being told what to do, but by being shown what to do.

They need to see these qualities in us that the Lord taught necessary to receiving the word of God (the seed, Luke 8.11). These qualities might be instinctive to some degree—some people seem to be predisposed to being honest and good more than others—but I believe the word of God can change us into becoming honest and good as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3.18).

Another point to stress from Luke 8.15 is the dire need we have to learn from Jesus and grow in His grace: Jesus urges us all to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11.29). Learning from Jesus comes by learning about Him as He’s been revealed to us in His word (John 12.44–50), meditating upon it, gleaning from it the wisdom needed, and doing what we have learned by His perfect example (Ephesians 4.20–24). It’s not just about learning what Jesus taught, but also what He did in glorifying His Father.

Jesus is honest and good; therefore, we need to strive for these qualities. It’s not to say that other qualities—love, goodness, kindness, self-control, for example—are not necessary, but these two characteristics (honesty and goodness) are what the Lord explained are needed to receiving the word of God and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12.1–2).

Bearing fruit with perseverance indicates that we’re bearing fruit (Galatians 5.22–24 / Philippians 1.9–11 / Romans 2.6–7) to God’s glory. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15.8).

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6.31–36).

And how do we bear fruit? Jesus said, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15.5). As the apostle Paul put it, “Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3.14–17).

Growing in grace means that we’re wholly dependent upon God’s thoughts and ways as He has revealed them to mankind through the apostles and prophets (2 Peter 1.16–21 / Isaiah 55.8–11 / Zechariah 1.4–6 / Ephesians 2.19–20 / 3.4–5).

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2.1–4).

Our call to action is to learn God’s ways and do them: “Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves” (James 1.21–22). Remember, good and honest …