Remember the old phrase from when you were a kid? “Liar, liar, pants on fire!?” Well consider this version. A long time ago I heard a preacher say… “I can do one of two things. I can lie to you and make you feel better, or I can tell you the truth. Which do you prefer?”
Most people prefer to be told a lie and feel good rather than deal with truth. Consider what it is recorded Jesus said in John 8:45-46…
Because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
Read those words again… slowly! THE reason people didn’t believe Jesus was because He spoke TRUTH to them. In another passage Jesus explains why people prefer lies to truth. It is because they do not want to be exposed for… and therefore deal with… who they really are. This is found in John 3:19-20
People loved the darkness (Lies?) rather than the light (Truth) because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
How bold and secure are you? Would you ask three closest friends… and maybe one person you know doesn’t like you all that much… the following questions?
Tell me the truth! What do you think is my biggest character flaw?
Tell me the truth! What one thing do you think I need to know about myself I seem to you to not be aware of?
Tell me the truth! What one thing do you NOT like about me (Just one please)?
Tell me the truth! What do you really think about me and my walk with Christ?
Don’t expect anyone to be truthful… they don’t want to hurt you. So do this… begin asking God to reveal truth to you. Ask God to show you your blind spots of character and conduct. Ask God to shine His light into you and your life so that sin is exposed.. SO THAT you can work with Him to be conformed to the image of Christ.
After all… GOD is the ONLY person who will tell you the truth… for your good… because He loves you (Hebrews 12:4-13. Click & READ IT!)
Can I say amen!