I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 NIV
It has been awhile since I said the title rhyme "liar, liar, pants on fire" (last week while watching the news I think), but it seems more appropriate today than ever. In fact, the Bible says that liars of the Truth will end up in Hell. How's that for "hot pants"?
The ninth commandment, however, is no joking matter. This one command is quite possibly the most broken, and one we would tend to see as "minor" sin. But, you know our God, He does not qualify "good" and "bad" sin. Sin is sin to God, and He can tolerate none of it. One white lie is as bad as a cold-blooded murder to a Righteous and Holy God.
Yet, most of us break the command everyday. Oh sure, I know you don't go to court everyday to testify against your friends (you probably never have), but have you ever talked less than kindly about them? Have you ever complained about their actions; repeated a rumor; criticized their work; summarized your theory about their life? Let me put it in simpler terms. Do you gossip?
When you say something about someone else that may damage their reputation you have broken the ninth commandment and God says Hell is good enough for you! OUCH! Praise God for the grace of His Son Jesus, (grace and grace alone will get you to Heaven) but you have broken His holy law when you speak against another.
What do you have on your heart or mind today? (Remember sin is not confined to action, but also applies to hidden thoughts....Ouch again!) Is there something you're thinking about another person? Does what you're thinking build them up or tear them down? Would you repeat it to God? If you did, would God be proud of you for thinking it?
Momma knew best (and so did Thumper in Bambi) when she said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Let that be your goal today. It will be tough! You may have to bite your tongue a few times. You may not be able to talk for weeks. Everyone may think you're a little "stuck up".
But, Praise God, you will be on your way to obeying the ninth commandment. Soon you'll start talking again. People will love what you have to say. God will be pleased! And your tongue will heal in no time!
Speak the truth in love today!
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