Lying, like all sin, is an unfortunate cancer of the human condition (Romans 3:23). It is a close cousin to pride, as they are the two sins no one can claim they never commit. While we may say with a good conscience that we are not guilty of murder or adultery, we must also remember Jesus’s teaching: anyone who is ever angry with their brother or lusts after a woman is guilty of those same sins (Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28).
But pride and lying? There’s no hedging on either of those. We know we’re guilty and therefore have fallen short of what God demands from us (Proverbs 21:4; Proverbs 12:22). As followers of Christ, we should be truthful in all our words (Ephesians 4:25). But why is it so difficult?
The reason it is so hard to be truthful is that we all live in rebellion to God and His commands (Romans 3:10-12). When God gave the original Law to Moses, one of the Ten Commandments was that we must not lie (Exodus 20:16). Truth is important to God because it is what He is—truth (John 14:6; John 17:17). If truth is so important to God, then we must never violate it (Proverbs 6:16-19). Truth-telling, trustworthiness, and never compromising our honesty should be the hallmarks of our life. It’s a simple way we can honor God and bring glory to Him.
God’s Word instructs us that our “yes” should be “yes,” and our “no” should be “no” (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12). When we commit to something and then back out because we change our minds, we are guilty of lying. If we say we will do something, we honor God by honoring that commitment. Jesus did everything He ever said He would (2 Corinthians 1:20). We need to be like Jesus. Such honesty is so rare that people will take notice of our integrity, and perhaps that will lead to an opportunity for us to share the gospel with them. And that’s the whole point.
Living according to God’s commands will make us look like Jesus. When we look like Christ, it will present opportunities for us to share the good news with someone who needs to hear. If we will be truthful in our lives, God will give us opportunities to share His Word beyond what we could ever imagine. This allows us to fulfill His command for us to go into all the world and share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Being obedient to one command leads to obedience in another.
There is still the problem of our sin nature and our pride (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18). People lie because they want to cover their mistakes or perceived inadequacies. God’s not looking at your failures. He’s looking at your heart (1 Samuel 16:7). If He is your greatest desire, nothing else matters, so get up, get out there, and try again. The next time the pressure mounts, don’t lie. Be truthful, recognizing you are doing God’s will and choosing what He thinks of you over what anyone else thinks of you (Galatians 1:10).
There are so many benefits to being a person who does not lie. It prevents pride from rearing its head, brings peace, and glorifies God. There is never a downside to being obedient to God because in the end, it will be all that matters (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). So, be truthful. Swallow your pride and recognize that only who you are in the eyes of God matters anyway. He is the one we serve, and He is worthy of our obedience to be truthful in all we say and do (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 4:15).