Christian Pitfalls: A False Witness Who Breathes Out Lies
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies…
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Exodus 20:16 (ESV)
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14 (ESV)
Among the seven abominations that God clearly HATES, lies are mentioned twice! In Exodus, the lie is specified… as in, don’t tell lies about your neighbor.
Why does God care so much about neighbors?
Because HE put them in your neighborhood. Thus, no encounter is accidental. (We don’t serve an “accidental” God.) Everyone you meet is intentional.
Could the Lord be your Social Director? As such…
Griping neighbors may be your challengers– to help you grow in patience and kindness.
Needy neighbors may be your refiners– to move your focus from you… to others.
All your neighbors are beloved by God, and you’re called to be His ambassadors.
So what IS false witness against neighbors?
It’s mean-mouthed words and damaging gossip, where you can subvert their relationships with others– and possibly God, Himself.
How?
If you’re known as a church-going Christian, then your words carry greater importance. Others may assume you’re telling the truth, so they avoid or shame your neighbor, too. Sadly, this furthers their isolation and may cause them irreparable harm.
Also remember:
Social media is a neighborhood. Yes, it’s virtual. Even so, your followers are “neighbors”.
Two more things:
The scriptural wording, “who breathes out lies,” seems to indicate… that habitual liars “breathe” out lies… naturally and instinctually. Actors DO know how to tell a story, so let your stories be ON SET ONLY.
God forbid any self-professed Christian bears false of their Namesake, Jesus… turning lost sheep way from the Shepherd. I can’t guess what that punishment would be, and I hope I never discover it.
Christian Pitfalls: A False Witness Who Breathes Out Lies (Part 7)
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.