A Nugget from New Life Network
(some excerpts from Bob Gass Ministries)
Scripture for the Day (September 13, 2016)
You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. (John 8:44, Amplified Bible)
The word integrity is derived from the word integer, a mathematical term for a whole number as opposed to a fraction. So when you walk in integrity, that means you tell the whole truth and not just a fraction of it. As one wise person once said, “A half truth is a whole lie.” That’s why we take an oath in our courts to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
Why do some people slant the truth, embellish it, tell half-truths, or just outright lie? Sometimes it’s for financial gain, other times it’s for social advantage. Sometimes it’s to hide their actions. Other times it’s to avail themselves of certain benefits. Whatever the reason, it puts one in concert with Satan who is the “Father of Lies” and has no truth in him.
Jacob, whose name meant “trickster,” conspired with his mother and deceived his father into giving him the birthright of the firstborn—twice as much of their father’s inheritance which rightfully belonged to his older brother Esau. And Jacob paid dearly for it. He spent the next fourteen years as a fugitive working for his father-in-law, who was an even bigger and better cheat than Jacob. Finally, in despair, Jacob had an encounter with God and heard these words: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Ge 28:15 NIV). That day Jacob’s value system changed, and the taker became a giver. He told God, “Of all that you give me I will give you a tenth” (v. 22 NIV). And after that God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams. He returned home after many years with a beautiful family, great riches, and a new name: Israel.
The truth is, integrity and truth pays dividends every time. We live in a society where lying by some of our top leaders has become pervasive and acceptable in some circles. The comment that I often hear to justify this lying is that everyone does it. The Bible tells us that it is the truth that will set us free, not lying. In fact, lying will always lead to bondage. We need to do a serious self evaluation as to what is acceptable to us personally. Are we comfortable with a lying spirit as a leader or would we rather have someone that told us the truth, regardless of how hard or tough that truth may be.
Personally, I choose the truth!
