“DO NOT LIE”
A lie is used to avoid the truth. The Christian is governed by what the Word of God teaches. It requires him to handle it in an honest fashion (II Timothy 2:15). Part of the use of that Word is having that which the Christian can look into in order to see himself as he should (James 1:25). The Word is the power of God to bring men to salvation (Romans 1:16). When we focus our lives upon that Word, it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The Christian then who continues to look into the perfect law of liberty will always have a means to judge his own life as to thought and intent as well as actions.
He can look into that perfect law of liberty and ascertain what is taking place in his own life. Since we are to add to our faith, it is imperative that the Christian stay in the Word and allow it to work in his life. He is striving to be honest with himself as to growth and development of his spiritual character. What happens when a person turns away from the mirror of God’s Word? James declares he forgets what kind of person he is supposed to be (James 1:24). He is, in a sense, lying to himself about where he is going in his life. If he is traveling a certain road and he knows where it will end up and yet he denies that such is going to happen. It may be, in the back of the mind of such a person, that one day I will change. The running out of time keeps that from being a true statement.
The ten commandments served as the foundation for the life of Israel once they had settled into the land of Canaan. Think in particular how those commands related to the idea of honesty. They were not to bow down to false gods because God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5). If one bows down to a false god having known the true God, such would be a lie. They were not to commit adultery, steal or bear false witness (verses 14-16). All of which called for honesty in their conduct. When we move to the New Testament the call to be honest is just as strong. Do not lie to yourself or to others. When a person became a Christian they were to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty (II Corinthians 4:2). That which is a companion to that according to verse 2 is not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully.
Paul, by inspiration, tells the brethren at Ephesus that they need to put on the new man. As a result of putting on the new man, they were to put away lying and speak truth with one another (Ephesians 4:24, 25). We read in Acts 15 about a conflict between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41). This was not an attempt on either man to lie or in some hurt the other person. They were making judgment calls regarding the past and future conduct of one John Mark. Had either man left that occasion and worked to get others on their side, then you have dishonesty. They separated and each man continued his work for the Lord. Trying to get others on our side is but a sign of dishonesty. The Christian is not running for political office nor a pursuit of power.
The Christian may get angry but he could not allow the sun to go down on his wrath (Ephesians 4:26). He was not to give place to the devil (verse 27). We should all be aware of our adversary, the devil (I Peter 5:8). He seeks to get an advantage over us if he can. Paul then warns that we are not ignorant of his devices (II Corinthians 2:11). What can we learn about the efforts of Satan? His first efforts against humanity were in the area of lying. He challenged the Word of God in the heart of Eve. Satan argued that “...ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). The first assault was to lie. What is the final end of those who buy into Satan’s lies? Certain ones will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The last thing listed in the Revelation says, “...all liars...” (Revelation 21:8).
May our course be set on the truth. Use that truth to strengthen our lives daily. As we do so, let us be honest with ourselves and those with whom we come in contact.