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God hates lies and deceptions.  “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Prov. 12:22).  A lie caused Adam and Eve to sin.  A lie brought on the death on Ananias and Sapphira in the early Jerusalem Church.  The way to Calvary for Jesus was paved by many false accusations.  Daily news in the Singapore media will always have reports on attempts to outwit casino operators, false claims of mechanical faults, falsified tax returns, falsified claims and various “con” jobs.  However, most of us may say, “Not me, I don’t do all that”.  When we reflect a little harder, we are likely to confess to subtle untruths – “white lies”.  Indeed, lying is so much easier, while telling the truth is so tough.  “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes” is an attributed quote by the author Mark Twain.  To say we have not lied is to have just done so!  A half-truth is a whole lie.  Even silence in the presence of a wrong act may be a form of lie.

Giving false information about others is unacceptable to God because the truth is concealed and the consequence of this wrongdoing is destructive.  A slander destroys a person’s reputation.  A gossip will wound deeply.  An exaggeration only promotes oneself.  Thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think is just bloated pride.  An untrue accusation or blame has selfish motives.

God desires us to conduct ourselves according to what He has accomplished in us.  We are to conduct ourselves in the way that is recognizable of His work in us.  Often we are too busy – too distracted – too bombarded by various media – too involved in the cut and thrust at the work place – too tired from holidays.  There is simply no time to come before the LORD in silent reflection.  We do not examine ourselves to check our motives.  God the Holy Spirit illuminates the Bible to us and helps us to pray and instructs our conscience.  He gives us the truth that we need to hear and speak.  Jesus prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them in your truth: Your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).  The Bible is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of our heart (Heb. 4:12).  It is adequate to teach, reprove, correct and train us to be equipped to deal with ourselves (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).  We are to submit to God and to renew our minds.  We must always commune with Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth.