When I pressed the young man for the details, I did not need
to be Sherlock Holmes to know that we were in fantasy land! In his attempt to justify his actions, he had
spun a tale bearing little resemblance to the truth. The truth seems to be
missing in action in a many places. Resumes
get ‘puffed,’ a nice way of saying, lies of exaggerated accomplishment. Our
politicians lie so regularly we’re all left confused about the truth. A recent
documentary reported that just over one half of spouses admit to lying to each
other. So, everybody does it, right?
Maybe, but "should it be done?" is the real question. Cynically, because
of the way that words are used so casually, I discount much of what I read and
hear, thinking - "So, what really happened? Is there a kernel of fact
under the layers of padding?"
Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, "I'm behind you 110%!" we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us.
Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, "I'm behind you 110%!" we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us.
- Candidates for political office say things that are full of fluff, just to impress. "It's wonderful to be here in the great state of NJ, here in beautiful downtown Newark." The audience politely applauds while thinking, "Really? Of course you don’t think downtown Newark is beautiful!”
- Job titles mean little in reality but give the appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice presidents there are in banks?
- Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines that avoid legal repercussion.
Christian, integrity matters! Jesus
tells us "Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you
manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew
5:37, The Message) He made this statement while talking about vows and
promises. He taught us to be so trustworthy there is no need to buttress our
truthfulness by saying things like, "I swear to God!" We are to be authentic, transparent, giving no
one any reason to question the truthfulness of what they say or wonder if they
should search for hidden messages. James, likewise, directs us to plain speech.
"Since you know that God cares, let your
language show it. Don’t add words like "I swear to God" to your own
words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say
yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against
you." (James 5:12, The Message)
I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff. Do you exaggerate the tone of another's words? When you speak of yourself do your words make no more, no less of the situation than is real? Do you use language in a way that always shines the favorable light on yourself?
Be truthful, for God’s sake, really! No, that doesn’t mean we are rude or hurtful! Truthfulness does not mean we have to call out every sin, name every failure, or point out every stain. There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. But, watch out for word inflation, too. Silly flattery seems harmless but it devalues speech. Clever ambiguity that allows a false impression to form is, yes really, a lie. We honor the Lord when we refuse all forms dishonesty. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be: nothing more, nothing less.
I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff. Do you exaggerate the tone of another's words? When you speak of yourself do your words make no more, no less of the situation than is real? Do you use language in a way that always shines the favorable light on yourself?
Be truthful, for God’s sake, really! No, that doesn’t mean we are rude or hurtful! Truthfulness does not mean we have to call out every sin, name every failure, or point out every stain. There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. But, watch out for word inflation, too. Silly flattery seems harmless but it devalues speech. Clever ambiguity that allows a false impression to form is, yes really, a lie. We honor the Lord when we refuse all forms dishonesty. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be: nothing more, nothing less.
Here’s a word from the Word. Live it, for the Lord’s sake. "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have
this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and
shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On
the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every
man’s conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:1-3, NIV)
______________
All Your Promises
Oh Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your
name.
Your words are true,
Your mercy does not
change.
All Your promises are
precious,
Reviving our faith,
Ev'ry one of them
Will be fulfilled one
day.
All Your promises,
Are yes and amen,
Jesus.
Your promises are true!
All Your promises
Are yes and amen, Lord
Jesus.
We'll keep running
after You.
Andrew Smith
© 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music
USA)
Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)
CCLI License # 810055
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