WHITE LIES

There is a sin that is epidemic, since it is practiced by almost everyone. It is so contagious that it has become acceptable and even expected. Yet, it undermines trust and unglues relationships. It is the sin of lying, and yes, it is a sin:

·       Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25 ESV; Colossians 3:9; Leviticus 19:11)

It is so serious that when we lie, we are also lying to God (Leviticus 6:2; Psalm 51:4), the One whose laws we are violating. Ananias and Sapphira had lied to the Apostles by telling them that they had given them the entire proceeds from the sale of their property for the support of the fledging church. However, Peter charged that they had not only lied to them but also to the Holy Spirit:

·       “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4)

Their sin was simply lying. The property was theirs, and they could have kept it for themselves. Instead, they had lied that they had given the entire proceeds to the Apostles.

However, today, we tend to regard this as an acceptable sin, especially since they had freely given a large portion of the proceeds. Who could blame them for this little white lie? God could, and He took their lives. Understandably, this created great fear among the brethren. However the next verses indicate that blessings followed:

·       Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles…And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. (Acts 5:12,14)

When sin is decisively addressed, blessings occur. When it festers, it divides. A brother related what he had observed as a young Christian. He was waiting in the office of a highly respected pastor. As he emerged from his office, the secretary told him that a certain woman who wanted to speak with him was on the phone. However, the pastor told the secretary to tell her that he wasn’t in.

My friend was shocked. Not only had the pastor sinned, he also had coaxed his secretary into lying for him, causing one of God’s little ones to stumble. How many more had stumbled because of him? My guess was that those around the pastor must have concluded that lying was just a necessary part of ministry, as we now conclude the same thing about politicians.

However, to justify one sin is to justify many. If God is willing to blink at this one sin, why not also flattery! Eventually, we conclude, “Why not also adultery!” If we trust God to forgive the one, why not also the other!

It has become common for us to make half-hearted commitments. We say that we will call, but we never do. Nor do we apologize, concluding that it’s just a little white lie. However, those who love the lie bring destruction upon themselves and the Church:

·       “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Therefore, liars must sincerely humble themselves to confess their sins (1 John 1:9).