One of the habits that I struggled with in my growing years, was that of lying. I remember how I used to lie to my parents and go for meetings, ministry work etc. It didn’t end with that. It permeated so deep into my thought process, that at times I couldn’t really distinguish between a truth and a lie on my own. The more painful thing was that I never felt it wrong to lie when my intention was good or ‘godly’.

What I had failed to realize is that, no matter how much spiritual or good or godly a reason it might be that I lie for, it was still a lie in the eyes of God. I would condemn others who would lie and cheat for money but never did see my own sin of lying. This continued till God really gave me a revelation on how I had been misusing the power of my tongue.

Here are few things that i learned in my struggle to clean up my talk.

The Power of Tongue

We all know what the Bible teaches on the power and impact of your words and your tongue. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Prov 18:21) We have studied how water and oxygen is essential for life, and that we perish in the absence of it. The Bible says, a misused tongue can create the same result that the absence of water and oxygen can! Death! At the same time, the proper use of tongue can create life and restore joy.

The Principle of Truth

It’s quite interesting to note what Jesus claimed about Himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Truth is not just about doctrinal understanding or knowledge of salvation. It is the very persona of Jesus! Every time we say or utter stuff that is not true we dishonor the person of Jesus. Another place, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) In other words, every time we speak or say something that is not true, we are coming under bondage, and only the truth can set you free.

White Lies & True Lies

Christians especially are experts in this category. Since they know that lying is a sin, at times they camouflage the lie to look like the truth. Lie is a lie, whether it be white, blue or yellow in color! If you do not have the option of giving out true information, it is better to remain silent instead of lying and losing out on your integrity. This also includes parents lying to their children about false incidents and identities in order to get them to sleep or eat etc. A lie is a lie, no matter how harmless it is.

Favor on Your Tongue

Bible says, that the Lord hates a lying tongue. (Prov 6;16,17) Every time a person who is born again, baptized, spirit filled and even filled with the gift of speaking in tongues, speaks lies, he/she loses the favor of God over his/her tongue. You are placed by God in a position of authority. What you speak should come to pass. The Bible says the favor of God was upon Samuel to an extent that not one word that he spoke would ever fall to the ground. (1 Sam 3:19)

Do you desire the same favor of God over your tongue? Practice and make conscious effort to correct yourself every time you lie, or exaggerate or manipulate your lie to look like the truth.

Did this post help realize a shortcoming in your life? Thats a great sign. Just yield to God and allow Him to change you. He helped me, and am sure He will help you too.

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