One in whom there is no guile

John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Is it possible in this day and age to have a testimony as one in whom there is no guile? The children's dictionary that we use defines guile as "skilled deceit" "cunning or artful deception" "clever and often dishonest ways".

Got done reading Anthony Trollope's "The Warden" and "Barchester Towers". The books are about the infighting between the older clergy and the newer, younger clergy of the Church of England. To the new, the old needs to be done away with and to the old, the new is too much unecessary change too quickly. Church and bishopric patronages, Church money and charity and in the midst of all this infighting and external pressure on the Church from without is a warden caught right smack in the middle.

He cares little for his position whether aquired rightfully or a patronage that rings of nepotism, through the story and in the end comes out as a man in whom there is no guile!

Some things Jesus specifically pointed out and was careful not to overlook. He appreciated Nathaniel's heart as a man in whom is no guile.

But how skilled have we become at speaking untruths that half the time we don't even know we are being dishonest. Of course sensitive feelings of young and old alike take preeminence- I love you so much I couldn't tell you the truth lest I hurt your feelings!

He is my boss and I would rather lie than tell the truth. Never mind that the Bible says in Proverbs that even a fool is thought of as wise if he holds his tounge. A man cannot force you to speak..can he? And can he however force you to lie? to flatter for gain?

Behold a man in whom there is no guile. Let us ever be such men and women who daily seek to speak the truth in love and not lie in the name of Jesus or lie all the same in the name of love.