Put forth constant effort against the evils that seek mastery over you.
Oh man, with a quote (and a title) like that, where do I even start?
If I can get my fingers to stop rubbing my ultra dry and irritated nose and start typing, maybe I can formulate my thoughts better….(essential oils anyone?)
Okay. So, not long ago I gave what seemed to be casual advice to someone. The advice seemed entirely insignificant and harmless at first—it was a quick and normal response for me. Sure, I said. No big deal, I said.
Except it wasn’t harmless. And it shouldn’t have been normal either!
I didn’t realize it until after the advised action took place (before my very eyes and ears) that I had given terrible advice, and encouraged behavior completely contrary to the character I am trying to develop…
Here’s what I did. Hold onto your seats…
I encouraged the person to lie.
Oh, wow, you’re probably thinking, that’s it? No biggie, smalls. Everyone lies sometimes.
Unfortunately, that is probably true. However, this did not change how I felt afterwards.
I felt terrible, and guilty.
Should I have just brushed it off like no big deal? My friend didn’t seem to think it was a big deal, so why should I? I mean, I’m not the one who actually lied.
And then I read Prov. 6:16, 17.
Lying is an abomination to God. An abomination! Can you believe it?
Well, yes, I can.
First off, thou shalt not lie is in the 10 Commandments(#9)— God’s unchangeable law, to which I still hold utmost value.
Second, God is truth (Deut. 32:4, John 14:6, 1 John 5:6).
Third, God commands His believers (that’s me) to love our neighbors.
How can I truly love my neighbor (i.e.,everyone) if I’m lying to them, or even encouraging a lie?
Not only was the person on the lying end a person I indirectly wronged, but I also wronged my friend by encouraging unloving behavior.
To quote Paul, without love, I am nothing.
True love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. (1 Cor.13:4-6).
So what I can do is ask God to deliver me from a deceitful tongue, because it is only through His strength that I can conquer.
And there must be a constant effort to fight against what comes naturally to me.
I realize fighting against what comes naturally to us is totally opposite of what we’re all used to hearing and opposite of what many people might believe…
Nevertheless, here’s to unashamed boldness.
So I’ll end this post with this question: Is it really ever okay to lie?
Until next,
A Heart for Heaven 
