Liars

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue.. Proverbs 6:16-17

The Apostle Paul called the Cretans liars! He 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. He saw lying as one of their problems.

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 can’t think of a single evil brute, and lazy gluttons are rare, but liars?  It’s a regular thing. We (Christians) constantly make promises we don’t have any intention of keeping. It may not be a conscious lie when we state it but sometimes our fear or pride speak before we 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’m too busy.”

Lies. We want people 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!). In general we want things to look different than the truth.

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 is rated in 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,..” Lies are ranked among some bad things.

Most of the people I know who make these statements would be horrified to be called a liar, certainly I hate the thought that I am sometimes one of them. Perhaps there are times when we 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.

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. (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?

From now on will you make it a point to say only what you mean and then to do what you say you will?  If we would all make this our habit, there would be much less strife in the Church of Christ.

What promises have we made that we need to keep?