What lying says about a person’s character …

Lying is an act as old as humanity itself, first recorded in the Garden of Eden when the serpent deceived Eve. In today’s world, lying has become so commonplace that it often goes unnoticed, a silent yet potent destroyer of trust and integrity. The Bible provides a stern warning about the nature of deceit in John 8:44, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees, saying, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

This verse starkly highlights the spiritual and moral implications of lying. But what does a habitual practice of lying reveal about a person’s character today?

THE PREVALENCE OF LYING
Lying is prevalent in our daily lives. A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that 60 percent of people cannot have a ten-minute conversation without telling a lie. This statistic is a sobering reminder of how deeply ingrained deceit has become in our social fabric. From “little white lies” to more significant deceptions, many of us are guilty of not speaking the truth, often rationalizing it as harmless or necessary.

THE CHARACTER REVEALED THROUGH LIES
When lies become a habitual part of a person’s behavior, they reveal several troubling aspects of character:

Lack of integrity. Integrity is the foundation of trust. When someone consistently lies, it shows they value their personal gain over honesty and transparency. This erosion of integrity can lead to a loss of respect and trust from others.

Selfishness. At its core, lying is a selfish act. It prioritizes one’s own interests or reputation over the well-being of others. This self-centeredness can damage relationships and isolate the liar from genuine connections.

Disconnection from reality. Habitual liars often create alternate realities to avoid facing the truth. This disconnection can lead to a warped sense of reality, where the individual begins to believe their own fabrications, making it difficult for them to discern truth from falsehood.

Alignment with evil. As John 8:44 suggests, lying aligns a person with the devil, the “father of lies.” This alignment is not just a spiritual consequence but manifests in a life characterized by deceit, manipulation, and moral corruption.

IMPACT ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Beyond the social and moral implications, lying severely impacts our relationship with God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of truth in our walk with God and how deceit distances us from Him:

Alienation from God. Isaiah 59:2 states, “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” Lying, being a sin, alienates us from God. Psalm 51:6a states, “But you desire honesty from the womb …” When we live in deceit, we cannot enjoy the closeness and intimacy that a truthful relationship with God brings.

Hindrance to spiritual growth. Ephesians 4:25 urges believers to “stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” Truthfulness is foundational to Christian fellowship and growth. When we lie, we hinder our spiritual growth and that of others, disrupting the unity and trust within the body of Christ.

Contradiction to God’s nature. Numbers 23:19 affirms, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” God’s nature is truth, and as His children, we are called to reflect His character. Lying is a direct contradiction to God’s nature, making it impossible to fully align with Him.

Judgment and consequences. Revelation 21:8 warns, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” The Bible is clear about the eternal consequences of habitual lying. Persisting in deceit without repentance leads to severe judgment.

A REAL-LIFE STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO LIES
Consider the story of Jack, a mid-level executive at a marketing firm. Jack was known for his charming demeanor and quick wit. However, his colleagues began to notice inconsistencies in his stories. Jack frequently lied about his accomplishments, exaggerated his role in successful projects, and deflected blame onto others when things went wrong. Initially, these lies seemed harmless, but over time, they created a toxic work environment.

Jack’s habit of lying eroded the trust of his team. His superiors, once impressed by his apparent achievements, started questioning his reliability. When a major project failed, an investigation revealed that Jack had misled his team about critical deadlines and resources. His deceit not only cost the company financially but also led to a significant loss of morale among his colleagues.

In the end, Jack’s lack of integrity caught up with him. He was demoted and had to undergo extensive counseling to rebuild his professional and personal life. The outcome for Jack is the same as with everyone who makes a practice of lying — sooner or later, lies will fail you and consequences will follow.

CONCLUSION
Lying, while often dismissed as a minor fault, is a significant indicator of one’s character and spiritual health. It reflects a lack of integrity, selfishness, and a disconnection from reality. Most importantly, it aligns the liar with the forces of evil, as highlighted in John 8:44. In a world where truth is increasingly undervalued, embracing honesty and transparency is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for building genuine, trustworthy relationships.

As Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Lying not only harms our earthly relationships but also disrupts our communion with God, hinders our spiritual growth, directly contradicts God’s nature, and invites His judgment. Let us strive to be people of truth, reflecting the character of God in all our dealings, ensuring our lives are marked by integrity and our communion with God remains steadfast.

Scotty