Professional integrity and a commitment to excellence are the working philosophies which guide us on a daily basis.” This is one of the introductory sentences from a Web site designed to provide fictional explanations, fake employment references, and verification for unexcused absences. A more accurate sentence would be “professional lying and commitment to providing false testimony are what guide us daily.”
The ninth commandment was designed to protect the Israelite community from such falsehood (Exodus 20:16). When Moses said, “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor,” he was telling them not to deceive a close community companion. The primary idea of “false testimony” was meant to color a situation with something other than the whole truth. The Israelites were to avoid coloring a situation with falsehood to protect themselves, such as lies that ruined reputations, half-truths, and boastful exaggerations.
The immediate context of this commandment was fairness and honesty toward those with whom we have close or even occasional contact. The basic truth of this instruction was personal integrity in our relationships. This command was so important because behind all truth we find the Lord’s character, which cannot be false. Likewise, God wanted His covenant community to deal truthfully with one another. The consequences of not obeying this command were a diluted, weak community and, ultimately, God’s judgment (Psalm 5:6).
How do we live out this commandment today? It begins with developing a deeper reverence for the character of God (Exodus 20:20). Our fear of God helps us to remain truthful and blameless. We must teach others to tell the truth as we submit our heart and tongue to the power and control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21).
More:
• Psalm 119:29
• Proverbs 30:8
• Ephesians 4:15,29-32
Next:
In what situations are you tempted to color the truth with falsehood? In what area of your life do you need the most help in living out the ninth command? How will you let the Holy Spirit lead you in telling the truth?
F.O.C.U.S. on May 1, 2010 at 3:02 am
“How do you think I look?” my wife asked recently as she performed a quick twirl in a new skirt. The words ‘explosion’ and ‘paint factory’sprang to mind but I wanted to encourage her so what should I say? I think that telling the truth in these small thngs can sometimes be the most challanging.
Paul wrote in Rom 12:2 that as our minds are transformed we will have a better understanding of God’s will. Perhaps the challange isn’t funfdamentally to aim at telling the truth but to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue in our sanctification, giving the right answer, however tough, will become the only ‘natural’ thing for us to do.
marvin williams on May 1, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Great insight. In cases with my wife, I tread very carefully. : ) I say something, “It doesn’t compliment your shape” or “That one does do as much for you as others I have seen you in.” I am being truthful, but I frame it in a gentle way. I think it depends on your relationship with the person and if they are individuals who pursue corrections and honest opinions. As we yield more and more to the Holy Spirit, he will develop the character of Jesus in us. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Soldier4Christ on May 1, 2010 at 2:33 pm
This is an excellent devotion, it brings to light something that both Christian and non-Christian people face. In the world today it seems to be a non-issue and common practice for many. I pray that God continues to be patient with our world, although some of what is happening around the world may be a result of the dishonesty and other sins that abound today. I don’t think that many people understand that being honest with yourself, others and God is a sign not only of respect but also a sign of love.
marvin williams on May 1, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Thanks for sharing your comment today. I pray for his continued patience, but I thank him for his brand new mercy today.
Ciera on May 1, 2010 at 3:24 pm
This devotional brings out one of the things I have a very hard time with. It says that “Our fear of God helps us to remain truthful and blameless.” What I do not understand is how we are supposed to trust God with everything if we are afraid of Him.
The verse (Exodus 20:20) is also very confusing to me. Moses says “do not be afraid” and then says that fear keeps you from sinning.
Can’t one simply be truthful not from fear, but because it is simply the right thing to do?
marvin williams on May 1, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Ciera, this is a great question. When the Bible says to fear God, it’s talking about giving God respect and reverence because he is holy. This same holy God doesn’t want to condemn us or tear us to pieces, but he loves us deeply, wants to have a relationship with us and wants the best for us. When his character is developed in us, we will be truthful because it is the right thing to do. As we yield each day to the power of the Holy Spirit, he develops Christlikeness in our lives. Thanks for your question and comment.
cuddles on May 2, 2010 at 11:35 am
I do fear God but the country I live in as seen
violence for some 30 years and I knew a lot of
people who got killed. Former terrorists are now in
power and I fear I
am loosing my faith in God. I cannot understand
how this is right. I know that I have tried to see why
they did this but they do not see that the terror
campaign was wrong and indeed many in my
community doubt if there is any sincerity in them.
marvin williams on May 1, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Your last sentence is spot on. Many times we sacrifice one for the other, and we end up with unhealthy relationships. In politics, you will never find a politicians who stands on purely Christian principles. They end up blurring the lines. We evaluate their character and their platform and pray like crazy. The Holy Spirit will lead and direct us as to who is the lesser of the two or three evils. Thanks for sharing your insights here. Praying for the elections.
marvin williams on May 1, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I absolutely love this comment. I just finished an article about this very issue. The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God. I like your friend analogy. It places our relationship with the Holy Spirit in a different light. I will borrow that “it’s getting crowded in here,” line. Thanks for sharing your insight and your heart.