My husband and I attend a small group Bible study at our church. For the past nine weeks or so, we've been studying the Ten Commandments. Yesterday, we looked at the ninth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16) Our discussion led to a discussion on lying in general. After some discussion, the facilitator asking the class if it is ever okay to lie. My quiet "no" was immediately drowned out by a flood of yeses. I sat there, dumb-founded, as person after person presented reasons why they lie on a routine basis. My heart was broken as I heard people that I admire and respect as leaders in our church give excuse after excuse for lying to others. I was the lone voice speaking up for honesty in every situation. Later, one person told me she agreed but was fearful of speaking up in the group so heavily bent toward lying. During the lively discussion, I was called legalistic and rigid. I've been called worse to be sure but I was struck that in what has typically been a conservative church, one who takes God at His Word is called legalistic. As the day went on, I could not stop thinking about the discussion in our class. I thought of many reasons why being truthful is always the best policy; why as a Christian, my word is so important. I wish I had thought of them earlier and could have shared some of these reasons with my friends. Perhaps it would have made a difference. Perhaps not.
Why do I come down so firmly on the side of truth in all situations? I believe with all my heart that Scripture commands us to be truthful, even when it isn't easy to do so. The Bible is replete with verses that support truth. The book of Proverbs has numerous warnings of the dangers of lying. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus relates the importance of our words as does James in chapter 5 of his epistle. We should live in such a way that when we say something, people do not have to wonder if we are telling the truth. What's the big deal you may ask. The big deal is this, if I am a person with a penchant for lying, people will naturally question when I say something. Even if I am only exaggerating, it can be detrimental to my testimony and any attempts I may make at witnessing to others. How? Well, what happens when I try to tell my friends that Jesus is the only way to God? How will they believe me when I tell my neighbors that there is only one, true God? How will my family react when I tell them that the Bible is the Word of God and can be trusted? If I have a pattern of lies and/or exaggeration, I have damaged my credibility. Everything I say is suspect! Oh beloved, I implore you to examine your speech. Am I bringing reproach on the name of Christ? Is my speech going to make it difficult for people to trust what I say in the future? It's not always easy, but I believe that Charles Stanley is right: obey God and leave the consequences to Him.
So, what do you think? Do you think an occasional "white" lie is okay, especially if it is done to prevent someone from getting his or her feelings hurt? I really do want to know! Let's talk about it. Leave me a comment and share your opinion on this hot topic.
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