Monday, March 8, 2021

Dear Young Christian:

Someone has said,

“ ‘Truth’ is like surgery: it hurts, but it heals.”

“ ‘A lie’ is like a painkiller: it gives instant relief, but has side effects forever.”

There are several exhortations in the New Testament in regard to lying. Here are two examples:

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth” (Ephesians 4:25).

“Lie not one to another” (Colossians 3:9).

The first recorded sin after the church was formed on the day of Pentecost was a lie, in connection with Ananias and Sapphira. “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost … thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:3-4).

God does not look lightly on lying, and even though we may not be struck dead like this couple in the early church, yet lying is just as serious today as it was back then. We need to be upright and truthful in all our dealings, whether at school, work, home, or with other believers.

Your Christian Friend,

 Jim Hyland