TRUTH
19th Jan 2022
Truth has been very much in the news in the UK as our politicians have been shown to be lying about various parties that were held in the past couple of years. Right from the time Cain killed Abel lying and lack of truthfulness has been a problem.
Jeremiah 7:28 says, “This is the nation that has not obeyed the Lord its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.” Sounds like a comment on our nation today.
David is seeking to live in truth, he has already suffered the consequences of his adultery with Bathsheba. In Psalm 17:1 (NLT) he says, “Pay attention to my prayer for it comes from honest lips.” Verse 3 says, “I am determined not to sin in what I say.” In his prayer of repentance after Nathan has confronted David with his sin, he says, “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts.” (Ps 51:6)
Truth needs to be a bedrock of our lives. There is no-one who has not lied at some time or other, but when truth becomes a basic principle it will set us free. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will see you free.” (John 8:32)
Some years ago, when one of our sons was in his first job, he took the company car onto the beach near Weston Super Mare with some friends, and in their fooling around the car got stuck in the sand, the tide came in and the car was lost, and so was the job!
He soon found another job, and after several weeks his boss asked him to come into his office and enquired about why he had left the previous company. “I was very foolish, took the company car to the beach, got it stuck in the sand and lost the car and my job.” His boss looked surprised at his openness and honesty, and replied, “The reference I have received from you previous employers is not good, it rubbishes your work and mentions the car, however, your work here has been excellent and because you have told the truth, I am giving you a permanent contract.” The truth had set him free!
Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful.” It can be easy to take a “holier than thou” attitude as we listen to the news, but let us make sure that speaking the truth is a principle of our lives.
by Charles Sibthorpe
