LYING LIPS

Proverbs 12:22
 
LYING LIPS
 
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. (Proverbs 12:22)
 
A “lie” is an untrue statement said deliberately with intent to deceive.  Lies are outright falsehoods, false promises, hypocrisy, half-truths, flattery and self-deception.  Lies are usually told for selfish reasons, to cover-up the truth, due to jealousy, misguided love and as a matter of habit.  All of us are invariably guilty of this sin.
 
In the story of the creation of the world, the serpent deceived Eve and convinced her to eat the forbidden fruit by saying that she will not die.  (Genesis: 2:16-17, 3:1-4). That was a lie which caused both Adam and Eve to disobey God. In Genesis 37:28-33, we read that Joseph’s brothers gave false evidence (coat dipped in blood) to Jacob which caused tremendous mental anguish to him.  He mourned for Joseph and refused to be comforted. In the story of Ananias and Sapphira as narrated in Acts 5:1-9, we read that their hearts were filled with Satan and they lied to the Holy Spirit when they gave only part of the proceeds of sale of their property to the Church.  Their lie and deceit caused their instant death.
 
Lies alienate us from God. Lies cause harm to the innocent and influence others to sin.  Individuals lose focus and direction. Families are destroyed.  Churches fail to shine for God when Church leaders lie and deceive. Nations experience downfall when leaders are corrupt and untrustworthy.
 
How do we overcome falsehood, deceit and lies?  We must return to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Embrace him. Let him be the governing and guiding force in our lives. He is the Truth.   When the Truth is in us, we will be trustworthy, just and faithful.
It is imperative that all levels of leadership are held by honest, truthful and trustworthy people having the heart and spirit of Christ.  We are called to be the salt and light of the world. When we are truthful and trustworthy we will:
 
·         Help build the Kingdom of God;
·         Provide positive, visionary, dynamic and effective leadership and facilitate the redemption and transformation of individuals, families, churches, communities and nations;
·         Have an undying thirst for justice and righteousness;
·         Be agents of reconciliation and promote peace, harmony and goodwill and care for the general well-being of members of society irrespective of race, religion, colour and creed;
·         Have Zero Tolerance towards corruption, exploitation, oppression, marginalization and injustice in society;
·         Inspire confidence and bring out the best in others;
·         Constantly articulate positive thoughts and fresh ideas for the betterment of others so that all can live in human dignity in accordance with God’s will;
·         Provide honest opinions on national issues, give constructive feedback to the government of the day and help shape public policies and laws for the larger good of society; and
·         Take special care of our environment.
 
Ponder
Do our lifestyles epitomize truthfulness and righteousness?  Are we trustworthy?
 
Practice
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all parts of the same body (Ephesians 4:25, NLT)
 
Prayer 
Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues (Psalm 120:2)





Article by D Raja Singam, Ipoh, Perak.