Each day America is resembling the people of Crete of the first century as Paul describes them in Titus 1:12-13. Paul states that one of their own declares that Cretians are always liars and that this witness is true. There is not a person reading this article that at one time or another has not come under the temptation to lie or witnesses another person telling a lie in our personal or public affairs. This state of affairs in America is becoming common place and is being institutionalized in the Government and private sectors. I became aware of it in my government career when close to 35 years ago I went for an interview for a position that would result in a promotion if I was selected.
I was somewhat taken back when I was asked if I thought that it was ever acceptable to lie. I replied "no" which resulted in a rather spirited game of "what if." From the agitated response of the individual conducting the interview, I suspected that the organization was going to be more comfortable with someone who has no problems with being less than truthful if the organization deems it necessary. It goes without saying that I did not get that position. I would like to say that I never encountered the situation where lying was expected but sadly, this is not the case. It was not a common occurrence but it did happen from time to time. Telling the truth in today's world is getting to be a challenge when lying is condoned and expected in certain circumstances.
When you are tempted to be of the persuasion of Pilate (John 18:38, "What is truth?") in order to excuse yourself in coloring the truth, please keep in mind the following: 1. Lying is an abomination to God. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: But they that deal truly are his delight." 2. We are commanded not to lie. Colossians 3:9 states, "Lie not to one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;" We are to be truthful. Ephesians 4:25 states, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." 3. We are told in Revelation 21:8, "Both the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
I would like to challenge every one of you to tell the truth and to engage in only that behavior that will not tempt you to deceive at a later date. Finally, consider Zechariah 8:16, "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:" Are you described in this verse?
Charles Royal, Decatur, AL
