3 Things We Lie About

Luke 6:37 (KJV)  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not...

Everyone judges! It’s a simple reality of life. Yep, we ALL have our judgments. The best sports team in the NFL, the best Cola to drink, the best model of car, the best or worst restaurant, the worst or best vacation spot, the best player in the NBA, the list could continue indefinitely. We have strong opinions on most things, and those opinions form our daily judgments.

This post isn’t about the judgment seat of Christ, our daily opinions and judgments, or even the Bible’s teachings on separating the wheat from the chaff. It’s focused on the lies and falsehoods that Believers tend to perpetuate in our daily lives.

First, let me state that true Believers don’t typically tell lies and deceive people. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but the character of a true Christian is to make wrong things right, to walk in a way that’s honest and above reproach. I think MOST Believers walk uprightly, but as always, you’ve possibly encountered the exception to the rule.

3 Things Believers Lie About!

1 – In effort not to discourage someone else, we often extend that our life is grand and things couldn’t be better. Frankly, I don’t know anyone who truly enjoys the valley. The obstacles. The testing of our Faith. The lesson process that God permits or chooses for us. Painful times are real. For everyone. I don’t know ANYONE who hasn’t or doesn’t struggle at times. Life isn’t fair – a simple reality you’ve heard or experienced many times.  We have to choose our words wisely – but it’s my personal opinion that it is okay to say, “Thank you for asking. I’m going through a trial right now. Please pray that I’ll please the Lord during this journey,” or something of that nature.  

2 – We deny judging others. Believer or not, we all formulate our opinions and therefore judge. Unfortunately, it is VERY easy to jump to conclusions. Beware fellow Christian!! Do you listen to the news and form an opinion?  As the presidential debates come to fruition, you’ll judge your ideal candidate and vote accordingly. Do you “hear” things and assume it’s factual?

I saw a homeless looking man on the street corner a couple of weeks ago. I saw him turn away a fast food meal.  In witnessing the exchange, it looked like someone had purchased a hot meal for their lunch, but felt compelled to offer it to him. It angered me for a moment. I thought, “Well, he doesn’t want a hot meal. He must want alcohol or drugs.” Now in truth, I have no idea why the man turned the meal down. Maybe he needed money more. Maybe he had a greater need at that moment, maybe he had just eaten and didn’t want to take advantage, but I judged him based on what I witnessed and my past experiences working with that population in my career. Was it fair? Probably not. But, I’m honest about it.

How many people do you know, who have had a negative experience at church, so now they haven’t stepped foot into one for months or years? Based on those one or two singular experiences – the cause of Christ was injured and that person has in a broad manner judged that ALL churches are bad. Or investing in church attendance is a bad choice, etc. Yes, we DO judge.

3 – It’s not good when Believers try to explain the unexplainable using our opinions. I don’t’ think we do it to cause harm, but the contrary - trying to help someone else stay motivated. To stay focused on our future in heaven. How DO you explain the death of a child? Cancer? Spiritual attacks? The loss of relationships? How can we possibly explain an omnipotent and sovereign God? Maybe it’s better if we just say, “I can’t possibly understand or explain this situation. God’s ways are so far above mine, my tiny mind cannot comprehend. But I’m here for you. I care about you and I’ll pray together with you.”

Let’s leave the answers up to God. Be cautious not to “explain away” bad events in someone’s life because you think they’re being punished! That’s dangerous ground! Try not to assume that what you’ve heard is concrete fact. Let’s try this…ask the person directly if you are truly concerned and care. (Said in respect). Be careful who you condemn! 

I strive to share my Faith with others in my family, my community, and around the world. I have found that keeping things simple, honest, and humble enable real discussions about a REAL God and a REAL life here on earth!

Let’s look UP my friends!