"There's nothing wrong with those sandals!" Only a few days before, my friend Marie was commenting on Cal's choice of footwear and how he would be better off barefoot. When confronted with her comments, she simply denied ever saying anything and even followed her lie with another lie in an attempt to salvage her image. She may have been fooling Cal but she wasn't fooling God. To make matters worse, later that day Marie had the audacity to giggle as she asked me "How could he even sit in those swim trunks?" Now a hypocrite, she had reassured Cal earlier that he looked fine and that he actually "looked good, thick but certainly not fat". Another lie aimed to fuel a desperate need for acceptance. I'm not sure what drives people to lying, or to hypocrisy. Worse yet, to try and justify their actions by blaming those who hold them accountable. I have to admit I don't have much patience for liars and hypocrites as I am sure neither does God! Remembering that we all have to stand before Him and that He is all knowing, why would anyone defy the Lord by lying knowing they will surely be judged for it? Why would anyone speak badly of their brother or sister knowing God is listening? Our sinful nature must be at the root of such delinquent behavior. But what is sin anyway? More than breaking a rule written by God, sin is a conscious offense against God that disrupts our relationship with Him. This state of disobedience against the Lord will not go by unnoticed. In fact, not only will we be held accountable upon judgment day but one particular sin is labeled unforgivable even by God Himself. "The blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31) With that in mind, when confronting loved ones who lie or talk behind other people's backs, remember to remind them the Lord is listening. I wasn't so tactful and shared my disgust for Marie which led her to tears and eventually, left me feeling hurtful. Maybe I should have left judgment up to God and simply prayed for her. Maybe Cal deserves to know the truth about Marie. Maybe liars and hypocrites will get what they deserve. I sure hope so. Let's pray... Father God; Lord we pray you will inspire us to speak only
the truth God we ask that you forgive our sins Praise God, This message was written by Rev. Daniel St.Pierre
THRIVE THROUGH CHRIST MINISTRIES 12000 FOURTH STREET NORTH BUILDING SEVEN SUITE 1 ST PETERSBURG FL 33716 HOTLINE 727.674.5681 - EMAIL INFO@THRIVETHROUGHCHRIST.COM |