An important aspect of self-mastery is that of honesty and integrity. First, it is important to be honest with God. Not that we can deceive God anyway. But the Bible does warn us that God is not to be mocked (Galatians 6:7) and that nothing in all creation is hidden from his sight (Hebrews 4:13). So it is just as well not to try!
Second, it is important to be honest with oneself. Again, Paul warns us to think of ourselves ‘with sober judgement’ (Romans 12:3). This means thinking neither too much nor too little of ourselves. At times, we are inclined to do both.
Shakespeare has old Polonius say some tedious things in Hamlet. But there is one sentiment he expresses which does make sense–
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
(Hamlet I:iii:78-80)
A disciplined honesty towards ourselves is essential if we are to live truly in the image of God. This is particularly important in regard to the standards we set for ourselves.
If we know that a line of action is wrong, then no apparent ‘leading’ can justify it.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.