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To Tell the Truth

Fight or flight has been a resounding theme of my life for many, many years. Ashamedly I admit, I usually flee. I hide from confrontation. Afraid, I cower down because I just cannot take any more blows to my heart, my mind, my self-esteem, my ego, my reputation, and so on. Well, today my friends, I say NO MORE. Today, the line is drawn in the sand. Today, I FIGHT.

The only way to combat a lie is with TRUTH.

For such a small word, a lie can be a powerfully, destructive tool. For some, lies roll off their tongues as smooth as silk making it is easier to tell a lie than to speak the truth even about the most insignificant things. Those who know better, however, may feel crushed by the heaviness of conviction when they are knowingly deceitful. Let me tell you, lies have teeth that rip flesh, tear out hearts, and shred a person's reputation. Manipulation and deceit often used for selfish gain spill innocent blood. Fibs, tall tales, white lies, just kidding, fudging, are all pretty ways to wrap up such a diabolical weapon. Perhaps this all sounds overly dramatic, but as someone who has lies being hurled from every direction, there is nothing pretty or pleasant about it. Truth: Lying is evil.


“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” 

 Proverbs 19:9 


When under attack, I go straight to scripture for the answer. What better source of truth to combat the lies of the enemy? In the past few weeks, many untruths have been revealed. In the beginning, it hurt. Then, righteous indignation rose within me. Especially, when some of these liars, busybodies, and gossipers hide under the cover of Christianity. I made a vow to myself when faced with a lie, I will sling the scepter of truth. Let us start with what should be the most obvious.

Truth: Lying is a sin. Gossiping and spreading rumors is also sin. In my research, I found over 50 scriptures on lying. At least one for every week in a year! The book of Proverbs could not be more clear about the matter.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. 
Proverbs 6:16-19


Several years ago, I wrote about an Old Testament prophet who because he believed a lie, disobeyed God, and was devoured by a lion (1 King 13). For this poor man, believing a lie was just as detrimental as telling the lie. (To read more, click here: https://brittni-thejourney.blogspot.com/2011/06/truth-about-lies.html.) To put this story in perspective, think about this. 

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone only to discover they are not the person you believed them to be? Tears your heart out, right? Have you ever stood up for someone, vouched for them, and then find out they lied? Ruins your good name, right? Have you ever been manipulated into doing something that compromises your beliefs and the person who put you up to it turns on you? Or have you been blamed for something you did not do? It is your innocent blood that is spilled. Truth: Believing and repeating a lie not only has consequences but also casualties.

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” -Proverbs 12:22

Know this. There is vindication for the innocent. Scripture tells us that God sees and knows and hears all even the secret motives of the heart (Proverbs 16:2). With their lies, the wicked have built the very gallows they themselves will be hanged on (Ester 7:9,10). In time, all will be revealed. When God begins to shed light on a situation, there is no way to stop the unveiling no matter the effort to keep it covered.

"Then, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Finally, I want to leave you with a truth I pray you will hear and know with all your heart so that you may be set free! TRUTH: A deserter cannot be the deserted. The person who abandons you cannot claim to be the one who is abandoned. They are not the victim; you are. Sure, they feel alone, deserted, and abandoned because they have wandered into a desolate place in pursuit of something or someone that was merely a mirage, a deception, a lie.

The same holds true in our walk with Jesus. Hebrews 13:5 is a powerful reminder that He never leaves us. We are the ones who are swept away by deceit turning a blind eye and deaf ear to truth. Stay in the light, friends. Always pursue truth, and all will be well with you!


"What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”

Proverbs 34:12, 13

 



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