According to some studies, every week Americans tell eleven lies and 70% claim to be willing to lie repeatedly. It is also claimed that children start lying at age two and by age four they can lie convincingly. These studies, of course, don’t show us anything new. The first sin recorded in the Bible was a lie spoken in Eden by the “father of lies,” and people have been following his lead since then. So immense is this problem that the Bible mentions lying and deceiving nearly 500 times. Our snippet today connects lying with being human. It is part of our sinful human nature to lie and deceive those around us, our God, and even ourselves. Honesty is the opposite of lying. It is a virtue for which we all should strive. Let Proverbs 12:22 (CEV) be your guide, “The Lord hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.”
A word of wisdom for a sticky note:
“Truth has no degrees or shades. A half-truth is a whole lie, and a white lie is really black!”
John MacArthur
Today my prayer includes . . .
thanks for this special blessing:
concern for this special person:
petition for this special problem:
A closing verse:
Love must be sincere and honest;
Hate what’s evil, keep the good.
Be devoted to each other;
Honor them as Jesus would.
Never lack in zeal or fervor;
Serve the Lord with all your heart.
Susan H. Peterson
from Hope for Each New Day by Reynold R. Kremer