By Dave Ingram

God's Word is filled with practical lessons on everyday living, including life lessons on lying and telling the truth. Psalm 51:6 reads "You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom." The Lord knows the hearts of mankind, and He always knows when someone acts deceitfully. Jesus described himself as "the way, the truth and the life" in John 14:6, further showing the importance of the concept of truth in the kingdom of God.

The Truth Will Set You Free

"The truth will set you free" has made its way into American colloquialism, but this phrase has its root in John 8:32 of the New Testament. One of the compelling evidences of the truth of the Gospel is the fact that most of Jesus' original followers were eventually tortured and killed in terrible ways for their confessions of faith. Each tortured disciple had ample opportunity to deny Christ publicly, but each was willing to die rather than forsake the truth they had seen with their own eyes. Martyrs around the world and throughout history have realized that a strong commitment to the truth is more liberating than the temporary freedom that comes from casting one's lot in with the world.

The Apostle Paul urges believers in Philippians 4:8 to dwell on things which are true, rather than deceitful or malicious thoughts. Again, in First Corinthians 5:8, Paul exhorts readers to embrace sincerity and truth over malice and wickedness.

The Truth About Lying

Modern American society includes a general understanding that lying is acceptable in certain situations and to certain degrees. In actuality, however, the white lies we tell are often evidence of a lack of faith and trust in God. A job applicant may lie on his resume to make himself look more experienced, for example, justifying it by the fact that it is a common practice. However, a job applicant with the faith of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) would trust the Lord to provide a way to find employment regardless of what his resume looks like.

God places such an emphasis on truthfulness that He included it as one of the Ten Commandments, recorded in the book of Exodus. The Bible tells us in Titus 1:2 that God himself cannot lie, whereas Jesus refers to the devil as the father of all lies (John 8:44). Proverbs 19:5 solemnly warns that "a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape." The Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 119:163, "I hate and despise falsehood, but I love your law." Setting your sights on God's law and truth by committing yourself to honesty can bring you into a closer walk with the Lord and strengthen your relationships with family, friends and co-workers.

Dave Ingram writes for multiple online publications, focusing on Bible Studies and issues in Business Management.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Used with permission. Writer’s views do not necessarily represent those of Faith Food.

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