“Don’t Lie to me”
I just came from church and from hearing a cracking good Word to the Ecclesia.
It’s time — a Kairos time — to stand for righteousness. When we see unrighteousness, it’s time to use our voices.
As I listened, I thought, “What bothers me the most, that I would challenge without fear the status quo.” Answer: Lying.
I don’t want to be lied to by politicians anymore. I don’t want to be lied to by the Media. I’m saddened by couples who, within a marriage or partnership, they lie or are lied to by a spouse.
When my child was tiny, and the first Christmas came along, I made a decision I’d not lie about Santa. I knew that one day, if he lied to me, I’d say, “I never lied to you, so don’t lie to me,” and he’d likely challenge me.
Sure enough, when he was about 12, he did say something untrue (not a habit of his but he did test me out) and we had that very conversation.
I said, “Don’t lie to me.”
He said, “You’ve lied to me.”
I said, “I’ve never lied to you.”
He said, “What about Santa Clause?”
I said, “I never lied. You drew your own conclusions. When you got a present with no card to say who it was from, you assumed it was from Santa. But I never said it was.”
“Oh yeah,” he said.
The relationship between my son and I is, until this day (and I trust beyond), built on our telling one another the truth.
Don’t lie to me
In Exodus 20 the 10 commandments are listed. One says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” which we typically reduce to, “You shall not lie.”
In court, you’re meant to tell the truth. Politicians ‘swear’ to do right by the country. Traditionally, they swore on a Bible, although that is increasingly being passed by the wayside… and at our peril.
I want a politician to tell me the truth. I want people in the media to tell me the truth. Not their truth. Not their spin on the truth. Not the bit that suits them. Not an out-and-out fabrication. Not their wishful thinking.
I want the truth. And I am going to insist on it.
I will expect it, graciously and with patience… but with persistence. I will ask for it with GOD’s direction, discernment and revelation, as to timing and/or scenario. But I do want it and it is most reasonable to expect it.
What bothers you most?
Will you weigh in with the LORD, asking Him to reveal to you what puts fire in your belly that He will support as you challenge society in a direct, meaningful way that suits your personality and your calling?
Will you ask the LORD to give you the opportunity to challenge: to speak out, ask for, or to discuss whatever it is in situations that can make a difference?
This world is failing. We need to turn things around. We human beings are in charge (Genesis 2:15) and failing miserably.
Why you? Why me? Why now?
“Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies;
The peoples fall under You.” (Psalm 45:5)
We need to trust the LORD as we venture to impact society for the good of mankind, in a way that fits our calling and purpose, with His timing (not presumption). But this scripture and many more, are words that will enable us to find confidence in His plans and purposes, which are to be fulfilled by us.
Let’s we, in the Kingdom of GOD, begin to turn this ship around! With grace, with courtesy (as love is never rude (1 Corinthians 13)), with His timing, using our own voices… and with persistence, let us expose the Kingdom of Darkness, bringing it into the Light, where society is meant to be.