Forsaking Lies Telling Truth

How often did Lucy and Gilligan tell lies and do cover-ups? The sound effects of people laughing at their foolishness can still be heard via reruns of their shows. But are the lies and cover ups of “I Love Lucy” and “Gilligan’s Island” harmless?

The last place you would expect to find lies flourishing is in God’s house. Yet, Jesus told the people who claimed to belong to God a very pointed truth: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” [1]

Telling lies is no laughing matter to Jesus Christ. Lying is of the devil. Lying relates to murder. Lies destroy trust and undermine vital relationships.

Jesus told Pontius Pilate that He came into our world to tell the truth. He said that everyone on the side of truth listens to Him. On a previous occasion, Jesus told His listeners, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” [2]

The Lord gave Zechariah a vision of giant scroll flying through the sky. The scroll contained a curse for liars and thieves. The curse entered and destroyed their homes. [3] This is good news for lovers of the truth, but bad news for liars.

A righteous man prayed that God would hear his cry. Blood-thirsty liars caused him much grief. They considered deception a sport. They enjoyed hurting him. They hurt him because he was committed to doing what was right. He tried to show them friendship by giving them trust, but they betrayed his trust and laughed at his despair. Finally, he prayed that they would fall by their own intrigues. He asked the Lord to let all who take refuge in God to be glad and sing for joy. He asked the Lord to protect and to give joy to those who love God’s name. He asked the Lord to bless the righteous and surround them with His favor like a shield. [4]

A thief once asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom. Jesus told him, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise.” [5] Jesus granted His request. We need Jesus to save us just as He saved that thief. Jesus died on the cross for liars and thieves. When we believe in Christ and ask Him to forgive us, He does, and He gives to us by His Spirit a new heart that enjoys living according to His ways of righteousness, peace, and joy.

[1] John 18:36; John 8:44
[2] John 8:31-32
[3] Zechariah 5:1-4
[4] Psalm 5
[5] Luke 23:42-43