Christian Pitfalls: A Lying Tongue

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44 (ESV)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

James 1:26 (ESV)

I believe all Christians know God hates lies. Because lies come from the father of lies… whereas truth comes from the ‘Father of lights’ (James 1:17).

I’d like to believe my tongue doesn’t lie. HOWEVER… lies can be oh-so-subtle. Each of us needs self-examination, and prayerful “Cross” examination.

Consider some varying forms of lies…

  • White lies: white-washing an uncomfortable truth.

  • Minimization: downplaying an uncomfortable truth.

  • Omissions: leaving out pertinent information.

  • Common lies: staying home “sick” or fudging on taxes.

  • Exaggeration: inflating truth beyond reality.

  • Broken promises: committing to something… then backing out.

Two difficult facts:

  1. Kids, teens, and adults (including Christians) commonly manipulate harder truths.*

  2. You and I have lied occasionally, maybe because we don’t know everything… or we think our lies are helping someone.

How can we please God if our tongues are untamed? We must…

  • Practice listening instead of speaking.

  • Practice humility as a lifestyle.

  • Pray for discernment and revelation.

  • NOT over-value our own opinions.

  • NOT judge others. (It’s God’s job, and NOT ours!)

  • NOT try to correct fools (or act like one).

  • Remember only God knows the full truth.

  • Repent and ask forgiveness for our lies.

  • Rejoice that God IS TRANSFORMING our tongues.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

“Lying” on the screen is story-telling. It’s your gift to make stories seem so real. It’s a role you play to gain followers and lead those who are willing… to Jesus! But:

Lying in real life is a gift’s misuse, so never twist your talent in that way.

‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required’ (Luke 12:48).

Christian Pitfalls: A Lying Tongue (Part 3)

* Exceptions can include little children, mentally or neurally diverse people, dying people, and even big-mouthed people who are mistakenly convinced their opinions aren’t lies at all… but absolutely right.

* A godly-wise exception may be an exceptionally mature believer, who is walking in the Spirit. If you know someone like this, someone who lives in and offers the fruit of the Spirit… spend time in their company (if you can). This being said, no one but Jesus is perfectly truthful.

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban