When Truth Is Not Loved! (part 2 of 2)

When it comes to deception and lying, others and self stand to get hurt. Telling the truth is easier to keep track of because crafted stories don't have to be remembered. It is much easier to recall what has actually been done, seen or heard. The work of deception just seems to dig the hole deeper and deeper until it is impossible to climb out.

Telling the truth means one merely has to tell it as it is. Still, how needlessly falsehood takes place in this world. Sometimes dishonesty is excused as a "necessity" to gain position in government in order to ultimately get good things done. In other words: the end justifies the means (or the meanness, as the case may be). Dishonesty has also been excused as a viable means to climb up the ladder of success in business in a highly competitive world. After all, if the rest of the business world cuts corners and is dishonest, how can the honest make it? Therefore it is of "necessity" to be dishonest. Therein is another lie not to be bought.

During the very early history of the Lord's church, many were selling property to help those in need. For some such giving even today is done with no desire to gain attention for self. However, for others they may want the notoriety for even more than they have actually done. Perhaps that is what a couple by the names of Ananias and Sapphira desired. They sold property and brought the proceeds from the sale to the Apostles, apparently with the boast they were giving it all, when in reality they were holding some back for themselves. Peter confronted Ananias regarding the deception.

We read. . .
"(3) But Peter said, '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? (4) 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 MEN BUT TO GOD.'" ( Acts 5:3-4 ESV)

Again -- as in yesterday's focus -- note the work of Satan involved in the heart. Rather than truth, Ananias and Sapphira (who in the following verses is clearly shown to have been an accomplice in the plan to lie) loved notoriety! Their gift -- even the portion it was -- could have been acceptable. It would have met real needs. However, their lie was not merely to the Apostles and anyone else who heard, but "TO THE HOLY SPIRIT" and "TO GOD" Who is fully aware of what is going on. How often even today is money, power, and personal gain placed above honesty? When attention for self is loved more than truth, GOD GETS LIED TO.

Ultimately it is God's judgment that is answered to, so why even think of pulling one over on Him? Though it has been noted that "You can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time", let us remember we CANNOT FOOL GOD ANY OF THE TIME! Therefore let us love truth and love God Who is the source of all truth as we live a blessed life to His glory and praise.

Have a great day LIVING HONEST IN ALL THINGS!
Carl

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