Tell the truth: considering the most basic of Christian virtues

By Dean Collins

Don’t tell lies.

It seems like basic information we were taught as children. And for good reason. I don’t remember my first lie as a child, but whatever it was I’m sure I told it hoping to avoid being caught doing something I wasn’t t supposed to do! And you’ve undoubtedly seen your perfect children and grandchildren squirming as they stretched the truth when they misbehaved and were caught. All of us want our children and grandchildren to grow up and demonstrate Godly character. Telling the truth is a big deal. Knowing the truth and speaking the truth is foundational to our relationship with God and with others.

Early directives

We see this as we consider God’s early directives to his people. Once the children of Israel arrived at Mt Sinai, God began the process of giving Moses more detailed instructions and commands about how to live faithfully as his chosen people. God had promised to deliver his people, to protect them from diseases in the wilderness, and to make sure they had daily nourishment and water. The people were to respond by obeying God’s direction and commands. A part of these guidelines included the Ten Commandments. And the following couple chapters give other commands to guide behaviors. Remember, this people group had been in bondage for 400 years. God established rules that created structure so they could navigate life freely and safely .

The first nine verses of Exodus 23 have specific dos and some do nots. And the section opens by saying, “You shall not spread a false report .“ Don’t lie and don’t partner with liars in their pursuit of evil. And specifically, don’t be a false witness and therefore pervert justice.

Moses continued in Exodus 23 to give God’s guidelines for how we treat our enemies, our animals, and even sojourners. The Word of God offers a good starting point for our national, state, and local leaders to consider as they discuss policy and work to create thriving and safe communities. But before we pile on the politicians, we can remember these guidelines are for all of us. None of us should lie. All of us should work for justice and seek never to pervert it.

Consistent theme

God’s instructions about honesty run throughout the whole narrative of Scripture. This might have been the most detailed discussion of dishonesty his children had ever heard, but it wouldn’t be the last. The Psalms and Proverbs speak often about the importance of telling the truth. Proverbs 6 tells us that a lying tongue is one of the seven things God hates.

Jesus corrected the scribes and Pharisees concerning their obsession with looking pious while ignoring the behaviors that corrupt their hearts and result in evil. He included lying with adultery, theft, and other immorality as actions that defile us before God and each other. In the Sermon on the Mount, he told his listeners, “Don’t swear falsely.” In a long list of guidelines for the Christian’s thought life, Paul said first we should concentrate on “whatever is true.” Look at the whole list of qualities he tell us to think about:

• whatever is true
• whatever is honorable
• whatever is just
• whatever is pure
• whatever is lovely
• whatever is commendable
• wherever there is any excellence
• whatever is worthy of praise

Paul said not only to think abut these virtues but also to act accordingly. Our words and are behavior must be in alignment. Otherwise we are dishonest, and our witness to those around us will be ineffective. We will not be living the truth.

Godly path

Jesus gave us the pathway to Godly character and abundant life. He told us to abide in his Word. When we stay focused on Jesus and the things he said, then truth will flow from our hearts and minds and we will be free from the lies that we tell ourselves and others. As we speak and live the truth, we will bring glory to God and see the impact of justice and mercy from us and through the places God allows us to live and serve.

Your time with God’s Word
Exodus 23:1-9; Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 15:16-20; 53, 41, 43-48; Philippians 4:8-9; John 8:31-32 ESV

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Photo by Taras Chernus on Unsplash