May 2023
Steve Russo
Lying has become a way of life. It’s so common today it’s become acceptable – even in the church. We have a generation of people who are so vulnerable they will believe anything. How many times have you heard, “but I read it online.”
Humorist, novelist and travel writer Mark Twain said: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while truth is putting on its shoes.”
The Ethics Resource Center reports that telling lies is a universal problem and is increasing. The report says the businesses where people are most likely not to tell the truth are hospitality and food, arts, entertainment and recreation. The report also says there are liars today in every segment of our population including judges, lawyers, physicians, educators, executives, coaches and professional athletes; and even members of the clergy, law enforcement and news media.
It bugs me to look into someone’s eyes and know they’re lying to me. No one likes to be lied to. Some people have lied so much for so long they don’t even realize it. There’s another problem when you know someone has lied – how do you know if they are telling the truth and if you can trust anything they say.
People lie for lots of reasons: low self-esteem, to avoid embarrassment, get their own way, make themselves look better, convince others what they want them to believe. Some justify it by saying “I’m only exaggerating.” But it’s still a distortion of the truth. It’s not straightforward nor honest.
Lying can come back to haunt you. It undermines trust in others, relationships and organizations. The Bible speaks strongly about lying in Proverbs 12:22 (NLT).
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
It’s not easy to quit lying if you struggle with being honest – whatever the reason may be. But it’s worth it. You have to decide to intentionally stop, live with the consequences of your lies and determine to tell the truth in the future.
Next time you know someone’s lying to you, try gently asking them, “do you really want me to believe that?” It just might help them stop this harmful habit.
