If lying was a job some people would be billionaires.
Anonymous
Who did not lie? People would often answer when asked if they have spoken a lie, “I have but only white lies.” What are these so-called white lies? “White lie” is a term for a sinful action to sound like it is harmless. I am guilty of these and if I can extend the verdict, so are you.
Thou shalt not bear false witness (Exodus 20:16 KJV) is the ninth of the Ten Commandments. But not all people are adhering to this Law as evidenced by the rationalizing lies as white.
History to Understand God’s Word
Want to Know the History of the Books of Acts? Click here.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Acts 5:1-16. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Ezra 3:1-7: How To Know If We Are Spiritually Healthy?
Covert Lies
The covert means “hidden”. This was the lie of Ananias and Sapphira. They have not disclosed to the Apostles, that they have hidden a portion of the money they got from their possession (Acts 5:1-2). And for that, they have suffered the consequence. Peter and the other Apostles did not force their members to give money to the congregation. All offering regardless of value were welcomed. Furthermore, it was shared with everyone according to their needs.
The result of the action and sin done by the couple was instantaneous death. And Ananias as hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost (Acts 5:5 KJV). He died right there in front of Peter. This scene reminds me of a verse, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31).
Sapphira, Ananias’ wife knew about the lie and did not do anything to shed light on it. Therefore, she too was punished and died (Acts 5:7-10).
Overt Lies
Alexander Pope said He who tells a lie is not sensible of how great a task he undertakes; for he must be forced to invent twenty more to maintain that one. Craftiness is needed when a person lies in order to hide the truth. So, how does a lie becomes overt or obvious? When you are caught in your lies.
It is written in Proverbs, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2). Your own lips will be the reason why you will be caught in your lies.
Who is offended?
Thus, how does one knows if someone is lying? At some point, one can tell but God will always be our witness. He knows our thoughts and all our ways.
Remember my friends, there are always more than three persons involved when you are lying. You are hurting the person(s) you lied to, you are deluding yourself. Moreover, you are offending the God of truth. So think a lot of times before you plan to lie.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you a good person? Take the Quiz.
- Have you told lies?
- How do you tell lies?
- Do you think you are hurting the person your lying to?
- Where does your conscience sit on the sin of lying?
Prayer
God of truth, we praise you above all things. We thank you for the truth you have shed on us. Thank you for giving us the scriptures to guide us in our ways. Lord Jesus, your example of living in truth inspires us to follow you.
May the Holy Spirit be with us to enlighten us to speak and act in truth. We pray these in Jesus’ name. Amen.
