Ephesians 4
KJV
25+ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Zechariah 8
KJV
16+ These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
One negative practice that appears to be gaining ground among professing believers is the art of lying. Yes, you read it.
Like you, I’ve also asked were we born liars or we learnt them?
The ease at which lies are told with a straight face makes one wonder if lying is part of our nature. Some say it is part of our “fallen nature” which is true!
But, surely we were not born liars we learnt them, it is a habit we acquire through association. If you grew up in a lying environment the chances of you becoming one is very high! .
If you work or associate yourself with liars the chances of you becoming one is very high. It is also evidentially clear that certain professions thrive on lies to succeed so if you should work in such environments/professions the chances of you becoming a liar are high.
Please note, that I am not implying one is automatically a liar, but the chances of becoming one are high! A conscious deliberate self-restraint is what one needs to stay true to oneself in such environments /professions
It is therefore a “disease” that we contract through association, so let us therefore watch our associations and walk away from any that have the potential of influencing us to become liars
“Researchers” have found that Lie has sisters, these are “ sister rumour-monger”, “sister gossiper” “sister, hatred” and a younger “sister jealousy” Some have given their mother’s name as “Madam Envy”!
They described her as a ferocious woman who does not take kindly to truth, hard work and progress anywhere by anyone, she is feared worldwide. Read it;
Proverbs 27
KJV
4+ Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Who is able to stand before Mrs ( Mr) Envy?
Beloved, of great worry and concern, is how some have perfected this act of lying such that they are believed by even the wise! They know what to put together, how to present and say things, etc.
But why must someone lie? The reasons are many but the most important ones are, fear, insecurity, low self-esteem, inadequacy, and the craving for social acceptance and glorification (You can add yours)
Beloved, lies do not build, it rather destroy. It has been known to be the cause of breakdowns, and divisions among hitherto peaceful and loving relationships!
Dearly beloved if we can go by what the scriptures teach, we should not experience any such unpleasant situations; which is
Ephesians 4
KJV
25+ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
To lie is to betray a trust, and trust is the foundation on which relationships are built once betrayed everything crumbles! Many a once-strong relationship has crumbled as a result Of this act.
To put back the pieces ( trust ) is a Herculean task even if done it never looks the same as the original. So let us be careful about things we say to and about one another.
May we heed Paul’s admonition
Colossians 4
KJV
6+ Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
May peace and truth be with and among us forever. Let us work towards achieving this! I desire to live in peace with you based on shared love and the truth we speak to each other.
My thoughts to share
John Franklin Tamakloe