WOULD I LIE TO YOU?

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Readings:

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12

Psalm 96:1-5

Matthew 23:13-22

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Have you ever been lied to? How did you feel? Betrayed, manipulated, angry, deceived, shocked? We value the truth especially from those we trust. We should give them no less than what we desire. But truth is not the result of a blind desire to state reality as it is. In fact, our first inclination is to distort reality to align with our image of ourselves. We say the things that paint us in good light and hide those things that are unflattering about us. These are not Christian traits. Scriptures say that all who speak in this way are children of the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). But those who tell the truth abound in freedom (John 8:32). Truth involves a number of ingredients.

St Paul in praising the Church in Thessalonica, stated the ingredients of truth as follows:

•       The presence of God’s grace and peace.

•       Thanksgiving at all times for what God has done.

•       Growth in faith.

•       Love for everyone.

•       Steadfastness in the face of persecution and affliction.

•       Endurance in the face of evil and temptation.

•       Desire to do good at all times.

•       Desire for the glory of God in every situation.

These are the elements that come together to help us say things as they are, without unnecessary filters and prejudice. They also instil in us the right sense of identity and purpose; we neither deceive ourselves nor deceive others. Otherwise, we become like the hypocritical Pharisees whom Jesus condemns for being “blind guides” (Matthew 23:13-22). It is bad enough that you deceive yourself but even worse when you deceive others. Build a reputation for integrity and truth instead of deception and lies—this way, you will open a lot of doors of opportunity.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

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Prayer:

1. Lord, consecrate me in the truth.

2. Lord, I am sorry for claiming to be whom I am not.

3. Lord, I am sorry for the opportunities I have lost due to my insincerity.

4. Lord, help me to find my identity in You.

5. Lord, help me to be truthful at all times.

6. Lord, help me to admit my mistakes and correct them.

7. Lord, give me one more opportunity to make things right with those you have placed in my life.

8. Lord, may I never be separated from you. Amen.

9. Lord, be always in my mind that I may know You; Be in my heart that I may always love You; Be on my lips that I may speak the truth, lead many to love and serve You, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.