It is hard to know what or whom to believe in these days of pre-presidential election politics. Our trust of our governmental leaders is consistently eroded by the ‘spin’ that seems to be put on virtually every bit of information that comes out. The debates are frustrating because the personal lives, values and leadership records of the candidates are filled with accusations and denials. But, this practice is not unique to the Washington political climate.
According to Robert Feldman, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts, ‘we’ lie all the time. His independent research reveals that, in videotaped conversations between students and strangers, they told three lies every 10 minutes.
According to Reader’s Digest:
- 64 percent called in sick to work when not ill
- 65 percent take office supplies to use at home
- 18 percent lie on resumes
- 50 percent of those who get too much change, keep it
- 13 percent have shifted blame to a coworker
- 71 percent lie when they compliment another’s appearance
- 32 percent lie to their spouses
- 37 percent illegally download music from the Internet
In a world contaminated by lies, we are called to ‘let our yes be yes and our no be no.’ Jesus’ teaching is clear. No deception. No misleading. No exaggeration. No lying. Jesus is the embodiment of truth and the wisdom of Proverbs 12:22 declares, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Pray with me…. “Father, the world in which you intended for us to live is a world of truth. But, we can only totally control our own devotion to ‘speak the truth in love’ in any and all circumstances every day of our lives. And so, we begin again today to honor you and do your will in this way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
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