“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’’’
– John 8:31,32
Have you ever been caught in a lie? I think most of us have found ourselves tied up in the trap of dishonesty at one time or another, if not as adults, then for sure as children. Maybe we lied about something insignificant (what has been termed “the little white lie”) or maybe it was something worse and it had a negative impact on someone we love. Whatever the case, I don’t think there’s anything as bad as being found in the clutches of deception. I recently saw a story about a video that went viral on social media. A 28-year-old guy was on a plane and he got into an argument with his fellow passengers and the flight crew. As a way to “power-up,” he began spewing boasts that he owned six houses, made four million dollars a year, and had an IQ of 176. However, he had no idea he was being filmed! When the original story came out, the headline read “Millionaire Gets Kicked Off Plane.” However, Inside Edition looked into the matter and confirmed that not only was this guy not a millionaire, he didn’t own any properties and he lived in an apartment. I seriously can’t imagine the humiliation faced because of the stories he told, nor can I conceive of what his next job search was like, or of how his reputation was soiled — all because he was caught in a series of horrible lies. Friend, when you walk in truth, you walk in freedom! If you want to have a serene mind, to be a respectable leader, and to have a great community around you, you must prove yourself trustworthy, and trust is built on a life lived honestly, openly, and with integrity. No matter how small or insignificant something seems, don’t compromise in the area of transparency. Rather, discipline your mind by asking the question, “How would I feel if someone else was watching me do this?” When there is nothing in your life you feel the need to conceal, your best and most free existence will follow! |
Prayer
Jesus, I want to live in freedom by walking in truth and transparency.
Reflection
Have you ever been caught in a lie? If so, what did you learn from it?
One Response
I recall being caught in a lie.My so called friends in High School thought that I was retarded.But in reality.I am really much more smarter than people think.It hurts so deep when words and actions are used in a negative way.I only want the inner truth
and beauty to emerge.It lets the others see exactly what is deep down inside me.I hope and pray that the Hour of Power will continue its mission of spreading the good news of God and his deep abiding love to all the lost and hurting people all over the world.Much warm greetings to the congregation of Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church.May God protect and keep them safe and secure from all the dangers of those erratic wildfires and Santa Ana winds.And to Pastor Bobhy Schuller and his beautiful family much love and prayers.And also much thankyous to the Hour of Power choir and Orchestra along with the Voices of Hope Childeren’s
Choir and guest soloists for the glorious music and triumphant singing.As always I
remain your faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ