Why is it so Hard?

[sunestauromai]

Ephesians 4:25
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

The command here is simple. It is not vague or ambiguous. It contains no qualifiers or exceptions. It exempts no one. It comes from God himself through his slave Paul. The command says, “Stop telling lies!” That means you and me. That means now. Stop!

But the full command contains two parts, and the second is just as important as the first, and absolutely necessary to successfully carry out the first. It says, “Tell the truth!”

Why is this so hard? After all, we expect even our young children to learn to do this and we train them carefully (or we used to) not to lie, but instead to tell the truth. Yet as mature, sophisticated adults, we lie to our friends and enemies alike, with reasons and without, and it’s become such a habit we do not even give it much thought. And we disobey God who created this universe every time we lie.

Like many sins, we excuse it or minimize it or call it something else. A fib is not so bad, or an untruth is more acceptable. We find ways to lie to people using clever language with double meanings so we can convey a message intended to mislead them, yet we have the out to claim we meant the other thing. That’s a lie. Think about who the professionals are at twisting language and giving double meanings. Most of them are really just good liars – not much of a recommendation, even if it makes you a lot of money of gives you more power for a time.

Most of us probably don’t see ourselves as liars (some of us aren’t). We think we let them slip out once in a while, and usually for a good reason (we rationalize), and over time we miss the subtle way this habit gets developed in our lives by excusing our lies. This is how many sinful habits get established.

Try an experiment – ask God to show you over the next three days when you are lying. He will be happy to show you, and if you will be honest about it, you may be surprised just how easily most of us lie.

If this was just an isolated problem for a few people, it probably wouldn’t have been mentioned in this passage. If this was a problem for many people, it might be worded more like, “Hey, if you have a problem with lying, you need to get that straightened out, OK?” No, this is a strong command to all of us, with the implication that it is so commonplace no qualifier is needed or appropriate.

God hates lies, and he makes it clear we are to stop telling them and tell the truth. It won’t be easy. But this is not a suggestion he is making – it’s a command and it’s important. Please make this a priority in your life!

 

[Another1ofu]

I use double intended meanings in the context of what i say at times. Especially with my wife, sadly enough. When you dont want to hurt someone or you dont want them to be displeased with you, its easy to rationalize your intentions as being the part that you confess it to be. But you know the truth is being held securely in your heart. Often out of guilt ill blurt out my true intentions later, which only offers to confuse her. Its best to think before you speak! (Though im no pro at gripping my toungue.)

Thanks for bringing this error to mind sune, ill do my best to be aware of this in my conversations.