Truth is important.
Jesus said in John 14 that He is the Truth. Isaiah 65:16 proclaims God as "the God of truth." Psalm 119 repeatedly declares that the law, commands and word of God are truth. John 14:17, John 15:26 and John 16:13 all refer to the Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of Truth." First Samuel 15:29 and Hebrews 6:18 tell us that God cannot lie. Psalm 111:7-8 declare that all of God's works are done in truth. Exodus 34:6 says that God abounds in truth. When we neglect truth and fail to act in truth, we are attacking the very character and nature of God in whose image we are created.
Psalm 5:6 tells us that God abhors men of deceit. Proverbs 6:16 tells us that a lying tongue is an abomination to God. Verse 19 adds a false witness who utters lies to the list. Revelation 22:15 says that those who love and practice lying are outside the Kingdom of God. John 8:44 says that those who lie are giving evidence that they are children of Satan who is the father of lies. The Bible says plenty about us not lying. Acts 5 is an important example. Ananias and his wife were guilty of lying to God. They were dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Ephesians 4 speaks to this issue. In this chapter, Paul instructs the new Christian to put off the old man and put on the new man. We cannot conquer the old man. We must leave the old man behind and be conformed to the image of Christ.
As part of the instructions for putting off the old and putting on the new, Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (NASU).
Ephesians is a church letter, written to churches and about the church. Verse 25 of Chapter 4 gives the standard admonition that God's people are supposed to turn from falsehood and embrace truth.
However, this verse adds a marvelous phrase that gives tremendous incentive for obedience to this command. Paul reminded us that it is illogical and very destructive for church members to lie to other church members. We are all members of the same Body, the Body of Christ. If I lie to another member of the worldwide church, I am lying to myself.
This illustration of the human body is very instructive. Will my eye see a snake on the ground in front of me and lie to my feet? Will my leg feel heat from a hot oven and lie to my hand? If my foot is snake bit, the venom affects my whole body. If my hand is burned, my whole body suffers. If my ear hears a warning siren, will it lie to my brain and allow it to keep my body in harm's way? When will we wake up to this obvious truth?
The church is a living organism, not an organization. Church members are related to one another in a way that is far stronger than blood relationship.
Need we be reminded that falsehood in business dealings, disregarding promises, deceitfulness in relationships are all forms of lying? Gossip is wrong on many levels and is very often lying.
God is truth; Satan is the liar; and we should be careful to lay aside falsehood of all kinds and speak truth to one another.
Steve Ellison's years coaching and teaching in public schools have given him a deep love for high school students. He spent seven years on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which fostered a tremendous interest in sports ministry. His life's purpose is to teach the Bible in a way that will capture the attention of a world that desperately needs it. He currently works as camp administrator at Ouachita Baptist Assembly, providing preaching, revivals and youth events. Email questions or comments to [email protected].
Religion on 08/20/2016