Many times, we are in situations where we are tempted to lie. Some of the reasons we feel the need to be deceptive are going somewhere we shouldn’t be going, doing something that we shouldn’t be doing, being with someone(s) who is ungodly, and/or working to get ourselves out of a potentially difficult predicament that we have gotten ourselves into. “What’s the problem with telling a little ‘white lie’?” you may ask. I’ll let Jesus answer that Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus is all about the TRUTH and despises lying.
Most of us have been duped by the devil falling for his charades. 2 Corinthians 11:14 describes him this way, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 1 John 5:19 tells us “that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” The world without Jesus is being fooled by the devil, the master deceiver.
There are a number of Bible verses that are insightful and challenging to each of us. Two powerful ones are below:
- Hebrews 4:13 is clear, “No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” This verse is clear. God is omnipresent (everywhere all the time) and omniscient (all knowing). You can’t hide from God. There will be a day when each of us will give an account before Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 validates this, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he/she has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Payment is due, “whether good or evil.”
What does living a life of a lie (deception) or living a life of truth staying in communion with Jesus end up looking like?
“Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14&15). Man doesn’t the rosy, lustful pictures that your flesh, the world, and the devil paint look so enticing! Lies may start off so good but always end up in death…absolutely empty of value and full of sorrow. A hot affair, lustful pictures, status, getting high, or simply telling a lie to get yourself out of trouble may look so good in the moment, but the truth is they end up bankrupt. What do you lose or forfeit in the process?
Learn to please God and live in obedience to His Word. Once you do, you will discover that everything else in life takes care of itself. John 6:33 declares, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” John 8:31&32 states it this way, “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). We all have a choice. I pray that each of us choose to live for an audience of 1…Jesus.
Barnabas Man 