J O H N W. M O O R E

ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH

In recent weeks the media has enlightened the public about the problems and evils associated with an elected official who lies to his constituency. Indeed, many are dismayed, and rightfully so, about the quagmire of problems surrounding the White House. Admissions of "inappropriate" behavior and "misleading" speeches by the President have caused a maelstrom of controversy in Washington and unsettled feelings of distrust and disgust among the citizens of this nation. Whatever else may or may not have happened in the White House, there is one thing about which everyone is certain - the President lied. What was said in January to a national audience has, by even the liberal media, been said to have been a lie.

For some, lying may not seem all that wrong, but the Bible makes it abundantly clear that untruths, half-truths, fabrications, and deceit are out of harmony with the will of God. Biblically, it is clear that lying is damning. Those who lie and do not repent will be cast into the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (Rev. 2:18; II Pet. 2:4). It is a characteristic of the old man of sin, who will not appear in glory when Christ comes again (Col. 3:1-9). It is a transgression of God's law (Eph. 4:25). It can prevent one from entering heaven. It can damn your soul to an eternal hell.

Lying is also deplorable. It is disgusting to both God and man. In Proverbs 6:16-19, it is listed as something that God hates. It is an abomination unto Him, and can be proven as such by reflecting upon what happened to Ananias and Sapphira when they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). It is also deplorable to man, for even the liar himself wants a wife/husband, mom and dad, friends, co-workers, employees, judges, lawyers, politicians, etc. to be honest, trustworthy, and truthful. We truly think it deplorable when someone lies to us.

Lying is also damaging. It destroys relationships and causes grief. Trust is broken and confidence is ravaged when lies are told. Lies sent our Lord to the cross and, though He was innocent, caused Him to suffer a shameful death. In the Old Testament, a prophet, a man of God, was killed as the result of a lie (1 Kings 13:11-32). James wrote that the tongue, when it lies against the truth, is "a world of iniquity . . . and setteth on fire the course of nature." (3:6) Lies killed some three million Jews in the Holocaust. Lies kept Communism alive in the Soviet Union. Lies ruined a presidency (as seen more than once). Lies destroy families and marriages. Lies can send you to jail. Lies enslave people to cults, false teachers, and religious organizations. Lies overthrow the faith of some (2 Tim. 2:16-18). Lying will bring division, distrust, and destruction. Lying is indeed damaging.

Truth is a precious commodity. Truth-telling is a valued and treasured quality above all else to be cultivated in the hearts and minds of every person. Our children and our adults need to acquire the quality of truth-telling. They should be expected to tell the truth. Ever since my sons have been old enough to communicate, they have been told to always tell the truth. No matter what, where, or to whom - tell the truth! Always tell the truth, and remember that "a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish." (Prov. 19:9)