“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25
Has your toe ever lied to your cheek?
I know. It’s a ridiculous question. It’s supposed to be. After all, one part of your body deceiving another part would be crazy. What purpose would it serve? In the end, it just hurts your body which, in turn, hurts the part that’s lying.
This is also true in the body of Christ, the church. One member of the body (the church) lying to another will hurt the whole church which, in turn, will hurt that member as well. So, we should not lie to each other.
Lying, in general, is a sin.
Do you remember the 8th Commandment?
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16
So, why point this out within the church and specifically regarding other church members?
Lying is not only sinful, it destroys relationships and reputations. This is bad enough in the world, but in the church, it sickens the body.
It’s a cancer.
It weakens the witness of the church. After all, how can we claim to bring the truth when we lie to each other?
It can also destroy a congregation. As lies are told, reputations are destroyed, trust is lost, and communication between the members of the body breaks down. When that happens, how can we build each other up in the Word or serve together for the good of the body and our witness to the world?
The only way to get rid of the cancer of falsehoods is through confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Is there someone in the body with whom you need reconciliation? Today may be a good day to start.
Heavenly Father,
You are always honest and never lie. Help me to always speak the truth in love. If I lie, convict me in my heart and lead me to repentance. Give me the courage to confess and seek reconciliation. If someone lies about me, help us to reconcile and for me to forgive.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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