Beech Tree News Network

Abraham Lincoln once said, “No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.” George Washington was quoted as saying, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” In a time in which lying to one another (and to ourselves) seems to be in epidemic proportions, let us look to the Bible and see what God says about lying.
 
    God consistently condemns lying in the Old and New Testaments. Looking to the Old Testament we read, “Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous” (Ps. 31:18). David also prayed that God would consume those who sinned by lying and cursing (Ps. 59:12). Proverbs 6:17 reveals that God hates a “lying tongue.” Solomon also said, “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). The righteous man will hate lying (Prov. 13:5). Jeremiah says that “lying words” are words which “cannot profit” (Jer. 7:8).

    Looking to the New Testament, we learn the Christian must put away, “lying” and “speak every man truth with his neighbour” (Eph. 4:25). In Colossians 3:10, Paul says to “lie not.” Could Scripture be plainer than this? We also read in Acts 5 of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to God (Acts 5:1-11). As a result of their deception, they were struck dead (v. 3-5, 10)! Jesus said, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
 
    What else needs to be said to make it clear that God demands honesty? “The truth hurts” is an accurate statement at times. Yet, isn’t greater damage done when we lie to others (or to ourselves)? Isn’t it a far worse thing to be found out as a liar and a dishonest person than if you’d just told the truth in the first place? Some leave us with the impression that lying “a little bit,” or simply “bending the truth” (?) is an acceptable thing. However, when it comes down to it, isn’t it better, and so much easier, to always tell the truth? As Mr. Lincoln said, “No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.” Make no mistake, “your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). If it doesn’t come in this life, it will come on the day of Judgment (II Cor. 5:10; Ecc. 12:13-14). What then, friend? Consider the consequences of your choices before it is too late. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Are you ready for the Judgment Day? Can you honestly say that you have obeyed Christ and are a Christian (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16)? Or, have you been lying to yourself all this time? The truth is that Jesus Christ is “the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). Don’t deceive yourself by thinking that simply hearing His word is enough. You must obey His will today (Jas. 1:22-25).

 -- Jarrod Jacobs preaches with the Caneyville church of Christ in Caneyville, KY. He can be reached at (270) 589-4167.