"CHRISTLIKENESS IN TRUTH"

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

Ephesians 4:25

Telling a lie has become ordinary in people’s day-to-day conversations. We try to hide the truth to avoid harm, to protect others, or to maintain friendships. But what is God’s word on lying?

What is a lie? A lie is something that contradicts a fact; it is the direct opposite of truth. It comes in different forms, such as cheating, false promises, exaggeration, adding to or subtracting from something true, betraying confidence, and making false excuses. Whatever kind of falsehood is used, the intent is the same: to conceal the truth.

Lying is a sin and a prominent characteristic of Satan (John 8:44). The first sin humans ever committed was a sin (Genesis 3). One of the Ten Commandments involves a mandate to avoid giving false testimonies (Exodus 20:16). The church's first sin was lying when Ananias and Sapphira lied about their donation to deceive Peter. The result of lying can be severe: Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden, and Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead. Revelation 22:15 tells us that those who practice falsehood will be eternally punished, along with sorcerers, the sexually immoral, murderers, and idolaters.

Today, people lie as if it is a part of their nature. Lying is even promoted in movies and TV shows. In fact, there's a popular nursery rhyme today that demonstrates lying as if it were okay—but it isn't! If God isn't pleased with lying, why should we?

This part of Ephesians 4 is a practical application of the spiritual truths Paul taught in the previous verses. His use of the word "therefore" signals that the teachings he just said are followed by concluding statements. In this case, he highlights that believers should get rid of falsehood and tell the truth, specifically the truth about Christ.

Jesus is the Truth, and there is no falsehood in Him. If we are His followers, we should reflect the truth. There should be no trace of lying and deception in us. Instead, we should lovingly tell the truth (Ephesians 4:15) because we belong to one another and are ultimately one body, the church.

As a believer, you should no longer be identified with lying. Regardless of how culture permits and even promotes falsehood, you must reject all kinds of lies because you are now in the truth. Let your allegiance to the Truth allow you to shine the light of Christ on those around you.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash