A Lying Tongue

Dear Brethren,

It should go without saying that Christians must tell the truth.  We are to be different, set apart from this present evil world.  We follow Jesus Christ, and His word is truth.  "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth."  (John 17:16-17)  Here is a riddle: What is it that when you give it - you have to keep it?  The answer is, "our word."   When we give our word to someone - we must keep it.

Yes, the Scriptures say that we must not swear - and we don't have to when our word is good.   James the Just, quoting his half-brother, Jesus, said: "Above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (James 5:12)

Here is another question, "Our word - is it as good as gold?"  The "Word," or commandment, as God presented it to Moses says, "You shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."   (Exodus 20:16)  As we expand on the meaning of this command, we learn not to lie - and to tell the truth, always.  God defines truth - He is the source of truth - He is Truth - and He requires that we, His children, tell the truth.

God hates lies!  He hates them because they destroy the character of the one doing the lying.  Then, because lying is a major violation of His Law of Love, others of our brothers, sisters and neighbors, are hurt.  "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 1. A proud look, 2. a lying tongue , 3. and hands that shed innocent blood,  4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, 5. feet that be swift in running to mischief, 6. A false witness that speaketh lies, 7. and he that soweth discord among brethren."  (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Isn't it interesting that two out of the seven things that God hates are about lying!  And a lot of the time, the lies come from a heart that devises wicked imaginations, which in turn causes the discord among the brethren.  No wonder God hates lying!

Brethren, in this evil world, it is difficult to always tell the truth, but by " speaking the truth in love, [we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, even Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).

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Sermon:

"A Lying Tongue"