When there is an important event, there are always those who receive the information with joy and those who want to interject an alternate story and use their influence to change the minds of people. What is the benefit of telling an outright lie?
Jesus did not keep his followers in the dark about what was going to happen in the future. “Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.” (Mark 8:31 NLT) You would think that when Jesus rose from the dead that the elders and chief priests would be happy because they would be able to confirm that He was the Son of God. Their lies were based on power.
People tell lies for benefits. When Naaman came to Elisha because he was a person with leprosy; Elisha sent him to wash in the river Jordan seven times. Naaman was offended but his servant convinced him to do the simple task and he did. When he was cleansed of his leprosy, he offered valuable gifts to Elisha. Elisha, the servant of God, refused. His servant, Gehazi, couldn’t believe that Elisha refused all those valuable gifts, so he followed Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi, he stopped and inquired if everything was ok. “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds] of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” (2 Kings 5:22 NLT) His lies were based on greed.
When he returned, Elisha knew what he did. Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi? ”I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied. Gehazi didn’t realize that Elisha was not asking to seek information because he knew what happened. Gehazi lied again. In the end, Naaman’s leprosy became part of his family line. Lies can have dangerous consequences. “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19 ESV).
Thought for Today: Friend,” Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 12:22a ESV)
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 