Get to the Truth

Read

Psalm 34:13 “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Proverbs 19:5 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”

Think

A lot of research has been done about lying, and the fact is that everybody lies. A recent survey revealed that men lie six times a day, and women lie three times a day. (www.drphil.com)

Lying is a tangled web in which we all find ourselves at some point. Research tells us that it’s a universal phenomenon. Some lies are innocent and well-intentioned, like those “white lies” we speak to spare feelings. Others are like the lies we told in our childhood, when we’d fib about chores just to get outside and play. Yet, there are darker lies, too – ones that can shatter trust and wreck relationships, like the devastation wrought by infidelity. It begs the question, why do we lie?

The motivations behind lying are multifaceted. We lie to evade responsibility, seek temporary comfort, avoid repercussions, or gain an unfair edge. Sometimes we lie to shield ourselves from rejection or to fit into a mold we believe others expect of us.

Lies often start small, but they can snowball into something much more significant, leaving unintended casualties in their wake. Even seemingly inconsequential lies, left unchecked, can morph into damaging habits, eroding the very core of our integrity. But the truth eventually surfaces, exposing our fabrications and challenging us to confront our authenticity.

Despite knowing deep down that lying is wrong, we still find ourselves tangled in its allure. We rationalize it to explain our mistakes, save face, or spare someone’s feelings. However, given in the Ten Commandments lies a simple directive at the core of our belief system: “You shall not lie.” It’s a timeless reminder of the value of truth and the dangers of falsehood.

Beyond outright lies, we must also wrestle with the treacherous nature of gossip and slander. These whispered words can be as venomous as the serpent’s temptation in Eden, poisoning minds and tarnishing reputations. Before we speak, let’s pause and T.H.I.N.K.: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? By holding ourselves to these standards, we can navigate the delicate balance between honesty and compassion, fostering connections built on sincerity and mutual respect and pointing everything to Jesus.

Apply

Challenge yourself to T.H.I.N.K. before speaking: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If not, don’t say it. Ask God for wisdom with your words.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I come before you with an open and humble heart, recognizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity. I confess that at times I have faltered, allowing lies and deceit to cloud my actions and relationships. Forgive me, and give me the strength and wisdom to walk in truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.