The Truth Shall Set You Free
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”1
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, so help you God? These words probably took you to the
scene of a courtroom where a witness is being sworn in, with one hand raised
while the other is placed over a Bible. But where do you think those words came
from? Yes, from the Bible itself! The ninth commandment goes far beyond the
courtroom. It is part of a set of rules and guidelines given to us by the God
of justice. A God who took the time to make laws against murder, stealing,
adultery, blasphemy and lying because He cares and wants to protect us from the
pain that these sins incur. It is in God’s nature to be truthful because HE IS
TRUTH! (John 14:6) As followers of the One True God, we are called to tell the
truth…and nothing but the truth. There is no such thing as a “little white
lie”. All lies are hurtful and destructive. Whether we exaggerate stories or
twist the truth to impress others; whether we make false advertisements or fib
to avoid trouble or because it’s convenient at the time, lies poison our
relationships. No matter the form of our dishonesty and duplicity, God's will
for us is to stop lying and tell the truth.
When legendary magician, Harry Houdini,
came into town to do his show, he often went to the local jail, gathering a
crowd of people along the way. To get buzz going about his upcoming
performance, he asked the jailer to lock him in a cell. Time after time, jail
after jail, town after town, Houdini escaped within minutes. But one jailer had
heard that Houdini was coming, and the jailer was ready. When Houdini closed
the cell door, the jailer put the key in the lock and secretly turned it in the
wrong direction. He then removed the key, and everyone watched as Houdini
struggled to escape—by unknowingly locking himself in repeatedly. Finally, in
frustration, Houdini admitted he could not escape. The jailer then revealed his
deception. Houdini had believed a lie, and the lie had held him captive.2
Regardless of whether we are in a
courtroom or if it has just become a part of our act, God’s Word is clear on
the subject. “Thou shalt not lie”; however He does offer a way to escape - He
[Jesus]...is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—”and you will know the Truth, and
the Truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Suggested Prayer: Dear Holy Father, your
Word is clear and without error. You gave us these rules out of a great love
for your people. I am so grateful for your mercy and your grace by which I am
set free to live an abundant life in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1. Exodus 20:16.
2. Craig Groeschel, Winning the War in Your
Mind, Zondervan, 2021.
Today’s Encounter was written by:
Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.