Caught Raiding the Cookie Jar?

When it is a little toddler we are tempted to laugh. ("My little angel? Where did that come from?") Yet at any age dishonesty is devilishly wrong. This applies regardless of the circumstance or age.

Sure, it seems cute when the perpetrator is a child with chocolate chips smeared around their sweet little face. Fast-forward to that same child as a teenager. "Well, it was okay then. So why can't I steal this set of wheels."

Lies blind, and lies bind. And there is no such thing as a "little white lie" any more than it is acceptable to lie "for the greater good." There can be no honor without hon-esty. The only place in the Bible where deception was ever considered approved was in tactical or strategic military operations.

I love the Truth far more than I love anything or anybody, bar none. Given that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life, that statement stands solidly. Therefore, making choices comes easily: lying is not an option for me.

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?" "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." ~~ John 8:44-47

Jesus was in a confrontation with the religious leaders of His time. The only time He became fiercely confrontational was when dealing with those charged with the leadership and teaching of the people. By the time this exchange was over they were ready to kill Him.

Indeed, satan must have been a very convincing liar to be able to convince one third of the angels of heaven to go into open rebellion against the Creator of all that is.

If anyone makes a statement and closes with "I'm just saying," do not trust a thing they say. We are called to tell the truth boldly, yet in love rather than being mean-spirited or cruel.

The two primary reasons people lie are pride and fear, neither of which is a becoming trait. The most convincing liars are those who first have convinced themselves of the lie. We recently had a President who could lie with a poker face, precisely because he had convinced himself momentarily that he was telling the truth.

Lying and anger easily open the door for the devil and his demons to go to work in and on your life. We must hate lies and love the truth. Notice I say hate lies -- not hate the liar. I love all people, even though at times repulsed by the goofy things they say and do.

From the first moment you see lying and deception in your child, lovingly make it very clear that lies are wrong and will carry consequences. Correction must be consistent in order to be effective.

Under no circumstances gloss over dishonesty in yourself or others, as it shatters the bond of trust so critical to any personal or professional relationship. Once lost, it can be very hard to regain.

Should you realize you said or did anything at all deceptive, keep short accounts. Admit your error in genuine disgust at your words/actions. Apologize to the other party(ies) and make amends.

If you are a follower of Jesus, repent and apologize to God before you do any of the above. You offended Him most of all.

Genuine humility is never a sign of weakness; rather it is a sign of integrity and strength of spirit.

One footnote: if you bring up publicly past sins of another that have been forgiven by the Lord, you allow that same demon that was influencing them free access to attack you!