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Truth vs. Lies

It was wrong for Abram to lie about Sarai to Pharaoh. It was also wrong for him to not trust in God’s protection and provision. And did you know that the gifts Abram received weren’t returned? Abram kept the prosperity brought by Pharaoh’s generosity. Despite Abram’s lies, God graciously intervened in order to provide for him. (Genesis 17:19)

This incident is a good example of two truths. First, it’s obvious to see how Abram took matters into his own hands. He didn’t allow God to protect him and relied on his own reasoning to find favor with Pharaoh. Secondly, our choices have consequences, and when our choices land us in trouble, sometimes God brings good out of some very negative situations. If only Abram had trusted God for what he needed.

Even though Abram unwisely trusted in his own cunning to preserve his life, thankfully, God’s will for his life prevailed. But I wonder what was Abram’s plan if the plagues had not come upon Pharaoh’s house? He would've indeed suffered for the lie he told. The greater plans of God sometimes include suffering, but that doesn’t mean it’s without purpose.

At one time or another, we’re caught up in lies, either unknowingly or with intent. It could be about us, someone else, or even God. Whether you acknowledge it or not, we collect a trunk full of lies and become entangled in them. The truth is, lies have a way of propagating themselves. Telling more lies to cover up the original lie is likely and, furthermore, damages your credibility. Telling a lie to benefit yourself is nothing but selfishness.

We can examine ourselves under the lens of faith. When our words are motivated by the pride of life, we are falling into temptation (1 John 2:16). It is true that some sins have worse consequences than others. Often, a life full of lies disguises your path towards the truth.

So, what lies have you believed that have caused you to make a bad decision or led you to continually sin? Instead of lying to spare another’s feelings, let's be open and honest in a loving way. And the honesty principle applies to yourself too. Lies don’t stand up to God’s truths, no matter how justified we feel in telling them. Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t lie to His children?