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Although we've previously discussed lies and liars, the Christian faith often requires repetition and reminders. As such, it should be no surprise that we return to the topic of lying to consider it from a slightly different perspective.
While many people see no problem with telling untruths, we must remember that God despises lies and commands us not to tell them (Proverbs 12:22; Leviticus 19:11). One reason, though, is that when we lie to someone, they may believe that lie and share it with someone else. And in so doing, the person who was lied to unknowingly becomes a liar.
This becomes a huge problem because believers are warned against causing others to sin. In addition to not leading believers to sin (1 Corinthians 8:13), we are also required not to cause unbelievers to sin against the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:32 - Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. And by causing someone to believe a lie or act on that lie, we have made them a sinner.
To better comprehend the consequences of this, we need only remember the Gibeonites Deception. Although it was the Gibeonites who lied, their well-orchestrated falsehood caused the Israelites to disobey God, lose out on part of their inheritance, and get dragged into a war.
Lying to someone can cause them to take steps that fall outside of God's will. We therefore need to be very cautious not to become satan's mouthpiece by propagating deception.
Furthermore, telling lies causes us to agree with satan. The devil is the father of all lies, and all lies originate from its kingdom (John 8:44). So when we lie, we automatically violate Job 22:21 - Agree with God and be at peace; thereby good will come to you (ESV).
As believers and children of God, we are not called to agree with His enemy, and that's what lying causes us to do. It further causes those who swallow the lies we've told to also agree with satan, albeit inadvertently. One lie, no matter how 'small', can have enormous consequences.
We must be careful to guard our hearts because if we harbor untruths there, they will come past our lips. We also have to set a guard on our mouths so they don't become highways for lies. Those only serve to empower satan, not the God who loves us.
In addition, we must realize that lying occurs by telling untruths, exaggerating the truth, lying by omission, using words to mislead (prevaricating), or obfuscating (intentionally obscuring information so the listener doesn't know the truth). Yes, these are all ways people lie, and we mustn't do so.
And we must sincerely repent for the lies we've told and the people we've caused to sin as a result. Understanding our responsibility not to lead others to sin requires this step. God is gracious and will forgive us, but we must also ask Him for grace and strength to no longer repeat this sin.
Take the time to track when and why you lie so that you recognize the patterns satan uses to ensnare you into agreeing with it this way. And doggedly choose each day to agree with God in all things so that you will prosper instead of the opposite.
And if you're still not convinced, please meditate on the following scriptures. Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” I pray that will never be our portion, IJMN Amen.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
