Sincerity and integrity

Sometimes we hear of men dying who have lived double lives – they have two (or three) wives, even more sometimes. Deceivers live complicated lives, saying different things to different people. This is never found in God. Those who follow him must be the same - uncomplicated, straightforward in their dealings, full of integrity. Like Paul they must also follow God’s sincerity.

Paul uses an interesting word - it reminds me of shopping with my mother as a boy and how she would take an article outside the shop into the street, if she was allowed - to see it in natural light. The word could literally be "judged by the sun". The thing may look okay in the dark recesses of an ancient bazaar but what about in the sunlight?

Alternatively, it could be literally "judged by sifting/sieving". What God does is free of impurities - again his followers should do the same. Their actions should be pure, sincere, open to scrutiny.

So Paul is not simply saying that he is honest but that his inner life has been touched by God and so everything he does conforms to the Lord’s standards. He cannot but be straightforward and sincere.