What can we learn about honesty from magnets, mirrors and magnifying glasses?
How can these science objects help us live into our virtue of honesty more fully?
These were some of the guiding questions we explored together during our Community Chapel stories this month.
Honesty means we are truthful in what we say and do. It means people can rely on us because we have integrity. Honesty is more than just telling the truth. It's also about being the truth. It means we are authentic and real with ourselves and others about who we are. Honesty is the foundation of strong, genuine, and loving relationships. Honesty builds integrity and allows us to live a life that is empowering and free.
Magnets
A magnet is a piece of metal with a strong attraction to another metal object. The attraction a magnet produces is called a magnetic field.
Being a truth teller and being honest in what we say and do is the magnetic field that draws us closer in our relationships with ourselves, each other, and God.
Truth tellers are like magnets that attract all that is good and right in our world.
When we are truthful and honest in what we say and do, we create a strong attraction to the things we need in our lives that will have a positive and productive impact. This attraction pulls us closer to best ourselves, each other, and to God like a magnetic force. And the opposite happens when we tell untruths and are not honest in what we say and do. We create a repelling force that pushes us away from the genuine and loving relationships we need and want in our lives.
Mirrors
A mirror is a reflective surface that bounces off light and produces a real image. When an object is placed in front of a mirror, the image of the same object is seen in the mirror.
Being a truth seeker and engaging in honest self reflection and repentance is like the act of looking into a mirror and seeing our true self looking back.
The mirror reminds us to take an honest look at ourselves first. To reflect on who we are and how we are showing up in the world. To be honest with ourselves about where we are falling short and where we need to learn and grow next. The mirror shows us an honest reflection of these things.
Magnifying Glasses
A magnifying glass is a convex lens that produces an enlarged image and helps to examine objects more closely.
Being a truth seeker means we do not rush to judgment and we examine things carefully without falling victim to stereotypes and false narratives that others create.
The magnifying glass reminds us to look more closely at others and the world around us. To look for what is real and true instead of just seeing what is on the surface or believing the stories other people tell. The magnifying glass helps us see more clearly.
Truth seekers are like mirrors and magnifying glasses who are always thinking and searching to verify the message of truth.
Today, and every day, let's use our mirrors to seek the truth in ourselves and magnifying glasses to investigate, study, and seek the truth in each other and the world around us.
Let's all continue on this journey together as truth tellers and truth seekers!