Spiritual Moment

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Speaking the Truth

Aug. 31, 2015

From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones 

 

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those Who deal truthfully are His delight” (Prov. 12:22).

 

Speaking the truth is something expected of Christians at all times and in every situation. According to Paul, the standards of speech for Christians are extremely high; he declares that “no corrupt” words should proceed out of their mouths (Eph. 4:29).

The life of Christians is similar to people sitting on a witness bench before a judge and jury. Those summoned to the bench are told to place one hand on the Bible and the other hand in the air, and they vow to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Life, for Christians, is like being on a bench in court; they are expected to speak the truth. In a world where lying is too common; let’s strive to speak the truth regardless of the situations.

Solomon writes in the above text that people who lie are an abomination to the Lord, i.e., they nauseate or make God sick. When tempted to tell a lie or stretch the truth, just tell the truth. Why? Speaking the truth pleases God or makes Him feel good. In Proverbs 6:16-19, the writer identifies several things which the Lord hates. The list contains “a lying tongue.” Christians are to be honest in what they say; they tell the truth. They are to imitate the honesty of Jesus.  The Greek word for honesty is “kalos.” It simply means that which is “good” and “admirable.” It also carries with it the ethical meaning of what is fair, right, and honorable. Christians are to be truthful and honorable people. Peter informs us that Jesus is our supreme example of honesty. He states, “Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed so sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth’” (I Pet. 2:21-22). No “deceit” or dishonesty was ever conceived in the mind of Jesus; thus, nothing sinful ever came out of His mouth.

The challenge for us today is be determined, in this court of life, to speak the truth at all times – “the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” May our words bring glory and honor to God!