He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4
“Lying is okay as long as you don’t get caught.” You will get caught, though you may avoid a consequence temporarily.
“I promise it’s the truth.” Why should I trust a liar’s promise? So when you don’t promise me it’s true, then it’s a lie?
“Studies show. . . “ Do you know how to evaluate a study? Don’t add to junk science, there’s already more than enough.
“Everyone says _____ so it must be true.” Everyone? You checked with everyone? You didn’t check with me. This exaggeration cannot back you up. You’ve gone overboard just like using “always” and “never”.
“Lie once shame on you, lie twice shame on me.” I’ll give you a chance, but if you blow it I won’t easily give another.
“They’ll never know.” Think so? Body language is more honest than our words. It flashes signs in a very short time. Often too short to edit or stop. There are dead giveaways. Ask most moms – they know.
“But it’s my truth." I can’t invent truth. I can believe 2 + 2 = 5 until the cows come home (a long time) but the bank won’t buy it. Do you honestly know enough to define truth? I trust God’s truth. He cannot lie.
It doesn’t work to wait and see what the situation is and then define truth. For example, someone steals then lies about it. Guilty? What’s their motive? Hungry? Daring? Looking for an acceptable gray area? But don’t judge until you know the whole story. And how long will that take? The Bible says if we’re able and do not work then we do not eat. But it doesn’t stop there. Specific instructions (2 Thes. 3:10) are given so everyone can eat.
God is truth. He is a rock and does not change (Deut. 32:4; 1 Sam 15:29). This solid foundation is necessary just like a building needs a solid foundation. It’s no less important for us. He knows all (1 Sam 2:3).
Want more proof? Judge the prophets of the Bible on the accuracy of over 450 predictions of the future. True over 450 times.* No one else has ever or will ever match that record.
God warns us. Do not believe Satan – he is the father of lies (John 8:44). There is no truth in him. He can masquerade as truth ( 2 Cor. 11:14). God shows us truth in His Word.
Yes, we have all lied. Me too. Want to quit? Try to detect why. I’ve lied when I was afraid I wouldn’t measure up. But God always accepts me and loves me just as I am. I am who God says I am. Others often don’t have my best interests at heart. I lied when I didn’t want consequences. But I can avoid consequences by not doing the deed that earns them. God can help me overcome those temptations. I just have to ask for help.
Separate fact from opinion. You don’t want to look back in despair because someone’s opinion wasn’t true. God can help me determine what’s true. His Word covers every imaginable topic. His truth will help me detect Satan’s lie.
In counseling others, I’ve found those who use the Bible to hit someone over the head (literally or figuratively)! It does not work. Change will only happen when you want to change yourself. You can't make someone else change if they aren’t ready. While waiting for them to “want to”, pray for yourself and them.
I know we haven’t always had good examples of truth-telling. But that can change. You can change. Be the person with character whom others trust. As always, Still Waters is here to help.
*From “How Do We Know Jesus is God?” by Ralph O. Muncaster p. 24