John 16:13 "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." ESV
I am a truth seeker and a truth sayer; almost, one might say, to a fault. In my youth, I was known to have a bit of a temper (just ask my younger brother) and I could certainly tell a white lie without a thought or concern. I never did get into big web building sort of lies, however, and for that I am grateful; those will catch up to you every time. After I yielded my life to Christ, both my temper and my ability to lie pretty much left me and never returned. This was not something I prayed about or asked for, it was just God's grace.
I am one of those people who will not even lie about a surprise party. I will omit information, if need be, but I will also creatively answer any probing questions just so there is no deception. I don't think anyone likes to be lied to, but with me it cuts deep. Even when the lie is to spare my feelings, or about telling me what I may want to hear because of my anxiety disorder, it just hurts me.
Often, people lie because they want to save themselves from ridicule, embarrassment, or responsibility; this has been my experience, at least. I am sure I have done this in the past as well. Satan, of course, is the author of lies. Let's face it, lying truly is his most powerful tool. It is a destroyer of so much in our world and in our personal lives. Even though I do not lie to others, I often listen to the evil one's lies, and that is why I battle a fear mind. I also often listen to those subversive whispers of being less than, or thinking I am just an awful person who is lacking in faith. Yup, the author of lies knows just where to hit and how hard. This is definitely an area of weakness for me, and one that I must continue releasing to Jesus, as well as having my armor fully in place for battle.
Think about our world today concerning everything from politics, to religion, to the pandemic. Most people don't know what to believe. Out of that concern comes division and mistrust, which is exactly what the evil one wants. He is, has been, and will always be the destroyer. He is the one we are ultimately battling and not each other, but we have lost sight of that truth.
Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 ESV) I like to say a modified version of this verse, Jesus is my way, my truth, and my life. The truth I seek is in God's word, and it will never ever let me down, for it is all I need to know truth. John 17:17 "Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth." (ESV) I guess I feel it is my sacred duty as a disciple of Jesus to speak truth, regardless of the outcome. I should always do so by wrapping my words in love as it says in God's Word. Ephesians 4:15 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (ESV)
If it is an area of struggle for you, please pray and seek out verses about truth in the Bible, meditating on them for guidance and strength. Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." (ESV)
1 comment:
The evil one loves when we listen to his lies. He loves when we are weak. And we are weakest when we give in to what he is lying about. We are strongest when we focus on God, His truth, and His light, and leave all in His hands. His power and grace and mighty and never leave us.
I pray your days are filled with God's love and that His love gives you peace and calm.
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