LIAR, LIAR

1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

"When I moved to Iron Mountain, Michigan, I brought my pet sheep. He grazed on the mineral-rich grass. When it came time to shear it in the spring, I ended up with 9 pounds of steel wool."

So says Sandi Weld of Sorrento, Florida. But don't believe her, she's a champion liar.

Sandi's sheep lie was the winning lie of the 72nd World Champion Liar Contest, sponsored by the Burlington Liars Club.

Some of the other top lies include one from a man who says that when he speaks, his wife listens. And one from a guy who says his father's horse is so smart it could put on its own shoes.

Now, of course, this is all just for fun, but Scripture doesn't mince any words when it comes to lying. Telling lies is a destructive practice that hurts people and destroys relationships. It's a practice God despises. "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19).

David encouraged those who loved life and desired to see many good days: "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies" (Psalm 34:13). And Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, said, "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self" (3:9).

If we are striving to be more like Jesus--which should be the goal of every believer--we need to get rid of our lying tongues.

Whether you're telling an occasional "white" lie, or if lying has become a way of life--God hates it. Satan is described as a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). So, who's your father? --Peggy Willison

DESTINATION POINTS

* Admit it, we all lie. How do I feel about that?
* What are my "pet" lies? How often do I use them?
* What steps can I take to be more honest?

LINKS:
Just How Honest Are You?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/ 2002/001/5.38.html

bottom line: Lying leads us away from Jesus.

soul journey