Daily Encounter: The Truth Shall Set You Free for Monday, January 30, 2023

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.