Articles
Are you a liar?
One might answer, after being asked if they are a liar, “I may have told some white lies, but I would not say I am a liar.” The seriousness of not telling the truth was revealed in the first article. Those who lie will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). I have personally been looked in the eye and lied to and the person was totally at ease doing it.
Lying is easy for the simple reason it is easy to get away with. One can tell the IRS they made so much, when in truth it was more. You can call into work saying you are sick when you are not. You may even tell someone you will do something and have no intention of doing it. Lies come in all shapes and sizes. The serpent told Eve she wouldn’t die (Gen. 3:4). Cain told God he didn’t know where his brother was (Gen. 4:9). Jacob told Isaac he was Esau (Gen. 27:19). Jacob’s sons lied to him about Joseph (Gen. 37:32). Liars are found throughout Biblical times.
Our God made it clear that he expects and demands people to be truthful. There isn’t to be levels of honesty. We don’t say something is truthful if we first say, “I really really promise you, or I swear on my mother’s grave, etc.” Jesus simply commanded, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ No’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matt. 5:37). Being a man of our word, so to speak, is what God’s people are to be.
When people lie to themselves, it becomes very easy to lie to others. This concept is brought to light during Christ’s sermon on the mount. We all are familiar with those Jesus spoke of that will say on judgment day, “’Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matt. 7:22-23).
When we are not being honest with ourselves, how can we be honest with others? May we be a people that stand for the truth, walk in the truth and tell the truth.
