“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22 (NASB)
“I don’t know what to do, Lord,” Jim prayed fervently. Without stopping to listen to God, he thought about how he wasn’t feeling well enough to go to work. It had happened before and he had pushed through. Pushing the limits was something he did frequently, with seeming success. Later that day, while he thought no one would notice, he was caught by the boss taking a midday snooze. One week’s suspension without pay later, Jim realized he had made a terrible mistake of pretending he was well.
Everyone, at one time or another, has exaggerated, denied, or deceived someone else. Each time this happens there is a negative consequence. In the moment, it seems like it’s a good idea; in Jim’s case, he was trying hard to make his much-needed income.
God wants all of us to walk in truth. When we do this, we are His delight.
He also says that anyone who asks for wisdom will receive it (James 1:5). This is the first step when you are tempted to lie. Take a moment to stop and listen for God’s reply. Next, pray for God to show you a way out of the tempting situation (1 Corinthians 10:13) even if it’s only a “white lie.” Remember, all lies are an abomination to the Lord and He won’t bless any of them. The last step is trusting God with the outcome. The next time you are tempted to lie, even if it seems like it’s for good reason, ask God for wisdom and for Him to provide another way. Trust Him even if He calls you to a very different day or season than you had planned. Just like David, Job, and Peter, God will restore you to a life victorious when you do return to His straight and narrow path leading to steps of truth and freedom.
Dear Lord, please help me to find truth and healing as the best options each and every time I have opportunity to speak or act. I know those are the ways to Your perfect light, and yet I confess sometimes I have chosen the darker path. Help me to remember that sin of any kind leads to death, but truth leads to restoration and light. Amen.
Next time you are tempted to lie, stop and listen to God about what to do. Ask Him for both wisdom and for Him to remove temptation, both promises He will follow through on. Finally, trust God with whatever He leads you to do, even if it’s counter intuitive to what your sin nature tells you to do. God’s way of truth is a delight and He will bless your obedience richly!
By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
- Truth – God’s truth remains the same from age to age
- The Christian and the Bible – do you believe it is the infallible truth?
- What Is Your Measuring Stick? by Dr. Henry Brandt