"Little White Lies"

I grew up in a small-town culture where the telling of “little white lies” had developed into an art form. You see, it was unacceptable and even considered bad manners to hurt anyone’s feelings. So, on occasion, one might need to stretch or bend the truth, or be purposefully vague, in order not to offend another person.

For instance, if a person you didn’t really want to spend time with asked if you two could get together, you would make up some story or reason why you couldn’t. 

Put Away Lying

Maybe you can imagine my difficulty when, at the age of 28, I became a Christian. Because I’d had some good teachers in truth-bending, I too had developed the fine art of the little white lie. Oh, they weren’t big or terrible lies, just little ones! My culture had provided models and examples for all those years, not to mention a very strong contribution made by my very own sin nature.

As I looked at what God had to say about life in my brand new Bible, I began to discover the Jesus way of living. There I read, “Putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). And best of all, in Jesus I had a new model, a perfect example for living a life of truthfulness.

Truthful at All Times

Truth—and truthfulness—is a golden quality. And it’s also timeless. It’s changeless because it is connected with the changeless character of God. God cannot lie. He has communicated utterly unchangeable truth to you in His Word. And because He is truthful, you can believe what He says to be the truth.

One of His promises was that He would send His Son, who also could not lie. Jesus was truthful at all times, even in the most difficult situations. He lived out truthfulness on a daily basis, moment by moment, and the Father was glorified by His consistent example. 

As a woman who loves Jesus, I’m sure you desire to honor Him with your behavior, and with the words of your mouth. You reflect Him and act like Him when you allow the truth that dwells in you to control your speech and your actions. When you live and speak the truth, no matter what, you will reap a multitude of blessings. For instance...

RESPOND

Dear Lord of all grace and truth, thank You for speaking the truth so I can know You, believe in You, and trust You. You are the way, the truth, and the life. I pray that I will mature to the point that truthfulness becomes my way of life. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES   

A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus - 30 Days to Christlike Character—Find a treasure trove of truths and applications that will enable you to follow well in the footsteps of Jesus. Pick up this book and study guidetoday!

REFLECT

This week, take note of every time you are tempted to lie and the reason why. Remember, Christians should be “putting away lying” (Ephesians 4:25). We are to put lying away, set it aside, rid ourselves of it, and have nothing to do with it, but “each one of you speak truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).

REMEMBER
A truthful woman will always be respected. And her honesty will always honor and glorify God.