Psalm 15:4 NLT

'Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honour the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.'

Growing up I had a loose relationship with the truth. I developed the habit of telling whatever story I thought stood the best chance of keeping me out of trouble. Lying became second nature. I also assumed most people behaved in a similar way and didn’t necessarily believe what they said either. I failed to hold myself or others with much respect. It was becoming a Christian that radically changed me and my approach. I had to let go of my instinctive lying and learn to navigate life with nothing but the truth.

I developed a strong dislike for lies. I realised nothing of substance can be built upon a lie, the reason God finds all lying contemptible.

It is essential in God’s eyes that we keep our word even when it hurts. A few years ago I had a collision with another car in the car park. I was accused of reversing my car into the vehicle in question. I was preparing to reverse to allow another vehicle in front of me to park, but did not recollect actually reversing. When interviewed by my insurance company and asked if I reversed or not, I said I didn’t know. This was an unsatisfactory answer and they explained I had to say yes or no. I refused to do so and so a long claims process began. Three years later it was only resolved when the person claiming against me attempted to claim the same damage in similar circumstances in another car park.

What can be an instinctive attempt at self-preservation can lead us to be economical with the truth. God requires that we treat truth with the greatest of respect and do not play games with it. It is far easier to concentrate on maintaining the sacramental elements of our faith than living by its moral code, but being true to my word is now a critical element to my faith.

QUESTION: Where are the challenging lines for you when it comes to truth-telling?

PRAYER: Lord, you are true and you are truth. Help me to live true and speak the truth.