Thursday, June 12, 2014
By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo
I Didn't Do THAT
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
My husband and I are trying to teach our son the life lesson of the importance of always telling the truth. This lesson was inspired by an incident where he "accidentally" threw something at our television. When asked why he did that, he responded like most kids do at some point, "I didn't throw anything."
Either I'm crazy and seeing things or he was holding back the truth. Since I am not the one on trial here, we'll leave my sanity out of it.
My son received two choices, you can tell me the truth and I will show you some mercy or you can get a punishment. (That was the shortened version. The three-year-old version of that was much more difficult to explain.)
After considering the consequences, he chose the truth. (Yay, good boy, we knew you would!) He didn't get off scot-free, but it was MUCH better than if he had stood by his lie.
Are you currently or have you stood by a lie in fear of the consequences? Luke 8:17 reveals a sobering truth, "For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all."
I challenge you today to always put truth first in your life. As today's verse encourages, the truth will set you free! Your actions may still carry consequences, but not nearly as bad as if you continue to stand by a lie. Healing and restoration can begin quicker when the truth is presented by the offender and not discovered by the afflicted. The truth may not be easy, but it's ALWAYS right.
If you feel like you are on the other end of a lie, pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal the truth to you and the wisdom to bring healing to the situation.
Dear Lord, Help me to always live by the truth. Your word says that you hate a lying tongue. I always want my words and actions to bring honor to You!
I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
Reflection: Have you withheld an important truth?
