Honest Like God

Being truthful is a fluid concept. Many ask “what is truth?” Truth is seen as relative, subjective. At the same time, many see being honest as something we can take or leave. With this push for “no absolute truth” comes a release of being truthful. Integrity has gone out the window. If there is no absolute truth, what does it matter if we are truthful? No one will agree with us any way, right?

Exodus 20:16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Proverbs 12:19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

The verse in Exodus is part of the Ten Commandments and is commonly translated as “you shall not lie.” God clearly commands that we are to be people of truth and integrity. We need to speak the truth and not lie. For the words we speak are a reflection of God and His character and He does not lie.

Hebrews 6:17-19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

Titus 1:2 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (emphasis added)

In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

2 Timothy 2:13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

God is completely truthful. He is truth and cannot deny Himself. He cannot lie. It is against His nature. Because of His truthfulness, we can trust Him implicitly, knowing with full assurance that what He says is true and will come to pass. We need to do the same. We need to be trustworthy so that people know they can rely on us. God takes lying very seriously and we should too.

Acts 5:3-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.

Ezekiel 13:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord God.

We need to be people of truth, of honesty, of integrity, as God is, so that we may be a good witness to those around us, that we may be a light to those in the dark.

Are you a person of truth? Do people know they can trust you at your word? Does the truth of God permeate your life?

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