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 see what God says about lying.

    God consistently condemns lying. Looking to the Old Testament we read, “Let the lying lips be put to silence…” (Ps. 31:18). David prayed that God would consume those who sinned by lying and cursing with their mouth (Ps. 59:12). Proverbs 6:17 reveals that God hates a “lying tongue.” Solomon said, “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD…” (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 we must put away, “lying” and “speak truth” (Eph. 4:25). In Colossians 3:9, the apostle Paul says to “lie not.” Could a Scripture be any plainer than this? In Acts 5, we read of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to God (Acts 5:1-11). As a result of their deception, and lying to God, they were struck dead (v. 3-5, 10)! Jesus spoke of, “all liars” and said they, “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 get people to understand that God demands honesty?

    Why talk about dishonesty? Perhaps we can answer this question by considering our advocate, Jesus Christ (I Jn. 2:1) and our adversary, Satan (I Pet. 5:8). Our Lord Jesus is “the truth” and God’s word is truth (Jn. 14:6, 17:17). Satan, on the other hand is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). He introduced lies into the world (Gen. 3:4), and has been lying ever since. Therefore, when we are dishonest, who are we following? When we are honest, who are we following? Answer those questions, and we will see why honesty is imperative with God!

    “The truth hurts” is an accurate statement at times. But, 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? This world encourages us to lie “a little bit,” or “bend the truth” (?) at times. However, 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).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167