Unity in the Body of Christ

I just started a Bible study on the book of Titus. The overview of the book was eye opening. Apparently Paul had left Titus on Crete to get the churches organized, deal with the false teachers who were in their midst, and to instruct them in proper Christian conduct.

During the overview the teacher was telling us that the Cretans were known for their lying. In Titus 1:12 Paul says, “Even one of their own prophets has said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.'” Paul testifies that it’s true! I was stunned that Paul would approve such a stereotype.

Then I thought about myself and the Christians I know. Okay, I can’t think of a single evil brute in the church and lazy gluttons are rare but liars? It’s a regular thing! We don’t like to think like this but the truth is we’re constantly making promises we don’t have any intention of keeping. It may not be a conscious lie when we state it. Sometimes it’s fear or pride that speaks before we even have time to think about what we’re saying.

“I’ll pray for you.” “I’ll get that to you this week.” “As soon as I get home I’ll call you to set up a time to meet.” “Don’t be silly, you look fabulous!” “I’ll be there this Sunday, promise.” “My son? Well, he just hasn’t found a good church where he’s living now.” “I can’t go because we just don’t have the money for that.” “We’re too busy to take on one more thing.”

Lies, all lies. We want to protect people or cause them to think that we’re more spiritual than we really are or wealthier than we really are or not so wealthy as they think we are (even when we are!). We hear them come out of the mouths of new Christians and old Christians.

Paul’s instructions to Titus found in Titus 1:13 were, “Therefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.” When we lie to each other we are not sound in the faith.

In Proverbs 6:16-18 lying is listed among the things that God hates. It rated the second spot. “There are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,..” Look at what he ranks it with!

Most of the people I know who make these statements would be horrified to be called a liar, certainly I hate the thought that it may be what I am from time to time. Within the church we need to be able to trust each other, to know that we have a place to go where we will hear only the truth. Perhaps there are times when we just shouldn’t say anything or we should give others an explanation of why we aren’t following through. To do or say nothing after we’ve made a promise is to add to our sin. We start with a lie and follow it with not honoring each other as we’re commanded.

Paul warned Titus about “mere talkers and deceivers” who needed to be silenced. Let’s not wait to be told. Jesus said that He is Truth. (“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6). Will you ask Him to let you hear yourself when what you’re saying is not truth and then turn from it? In his letter to the Ephesians Paul said, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

As you go about your day today will you make it a point to only say what you mean and then to do what you say you will? If all Christians made this their habit, there would be much less strife in the Church of Christ. Let’s speak the truth all the time, to everyone, including ourselves.