To Tell the Truth

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 (King James Version)

There are times when speaking the truth to others comes easily for me and then there are times when I cringe at the thought. The worst moments for me are when I am struggling emotionally and someone asks me how I am doing. Or they say something like, “Are you okay?” They can see by the blank stare, lack of energy, and silence that something is amiss. They ask out of true concern and yet I end up giving not only a somewhat believable excuse but an out and out lie. Tonight it was, “Just tired. Worked over-time. Long day.” The truth? I was losing a battle of my mind and didn’t want to admit my problem.

Why is it so hard to be honest and open with people? Why is it so hard to tell them the truth when they ask? The answers are as multi-layered as the questions. Shame, fear of losing face, pride, fear of their opinion of me plunging, and ultimately fear of being found out to be less than they think I am. It is the same scenario played out when we don’t want to admit wrong doing on our part.

I can understand Adam and Eve’s attempt to hide when their sin was exposed. Or Achan’s act of hiding stolen goods and then denying it until the very end. Or Aaron blaming the children of Israel for the calf that he himself had fashioned when confronted about it. I understand. I relate. I opt for the same choices when asked how I am doing. Some would say it is no big deal but to God telling the truth IS a big deal.

So what am I to do once I have been dishonest with my answers. Confess it to God for one. Then do what I did a moment ago. Pick up the phone, call the person I spoke to, and apologize. She was gracious and forgiving. Said she knew I wasn’t telling her the whole story and offered to pray for me. Then determine that by God’s grace I will follow His principles of honesty the next time this scenario plays out. Then move on.

Father, I lost a number of battles this evening and yet I stand forgiven. Thank you that your forgiveness will always outnumber my sin. Amen.

What Sin? - Morgan Cryar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMIeOKQVDs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.