Do Not Lie--the Ninth Commandment

What if our noses grew every time we told a lie? What if our ears grew? What if our feet grew? Maybe people wouldn't lie so much. Did you know lying is problem of the heart? Yes, our hearts are the heart of the problem. So what is the solution?

The solution to lying is the same as for all other acts of disobedience to the Ten Commandments. It is God's love. He loves us so much He gave His only Son to take the punishment for our sins so we wouldn't have to. When we believe that with all our hearts and accept God's love, our lives change. We won't want to lie anymore.

Love rejoices in TRUTH. (1 Corinthians 13:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," (John 14:6) and "If you love me, you will obey what I command. I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of TRUTH," (John 14:15).

Think About It
So is it ever okay to lie? Check this out in Proverbs 6:16-19.
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him.

1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked schemes
5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6. A false witness who pours out lies, and
7. A man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, help us to accept your love and not the ways of the world. Help us to honor you with our mouths by telling the truth. Thank you for sending your Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to help us live for you. Amen.

The Way, The Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)

My dog looks and acts a lot like a lamb. Did you know that sheep will follow only their shepherd? My dog, Maggie, follows only me. When my grandkids or other friends walk with us, sometimes they want to hold her leash. But guess who she follows? Yep, it's me. She's always looking to see where I am. Did you know that sheep have to be led to water or food, and they will only eat or drink from their shepherd? Maggie is like that too. She eats what John, my husband, and I give her but not what strangers give her. Did you know that sheep will obey only their master? Maggie's like that. She comes only when I call her. Sometimes she will give a paw shake to my grandkids, but she saves most of her obedience for me.

One of my favorite pictures is of Jesus holding a lamb. Lambs like to be held. So does Maggie. She wants to be in my lab or in my arms all the time. She thinks that's what I'm here for.

I compared Maggie's relationship to me with my relationship to Jesus. Because I read His word, I learn His ways more and more. That is huge in today's world, because many people and things compete for my allegiance. Since Christ is my shepherd, I cannot be deceived. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," (John 14:6). So I will follow only Him, feed only on His word, obey only His commands, and experience His glorious presence every day.

Think About It
How about you? Will you find the truth in what Jesus says? Will you follow Him all the days of your life? Will you obey His commands and enjoy His presence? If your answers to these questions are "yes," you have great hope for your future, for eternity. Praise God!

Pray About It
Thank you, Father God, that you sent Jesus to teach me how to live and to die for me because I could never be perfect. Thank you that my perfection and strength are in Christ alone. Amen.