Free Course: Encounter the Faith & Wisdom of C.S. Lewis!

The Weekly Focal Point - June 20

Subtle Lies

It is not difficult for Christians to admit that deception is morally wrong, and that because he is a God of truth, “lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22). But unfortunately we are not always quick to recognize all the subtle forms lying takes in our everyday conversations. Consider the way we can toss around insincere compliments and words of praise, which, if pressed, we’d have to admit are “not entirely true,” simply to make ourselves appear pleasant, kind, gracious, or godly. The dictionary calls this kind of lying “flattery”, and God’s word explicitly equates those who “flatter with their tongue” with people who “speak lies” (Psalm 5:6, 9) . Or consider the way we can embellish a story, pushing it just beyond the reality of what actually happened, to make our knowledge or experience seem more interesting, more exciting, or more commendable to others. This form of deception the Bible roundly condemns under the heading of “boasting.”

Lastly, consider the way the facts get twisted when we craftily choose to augment and enhance “the evil” in a story to help cast our opponents in the worst possible light. The Bible calls this “slander,” and aptly groups this transgression with others that flow from “lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). So let’s remove the artificial shades of abhorrence from our tailored definitions of deception and prayerfully seek to avoid every form that lying takes, always mindful of the high value God places on “truthful lips” (Proverbs 12:19).

-- Pastor Mike

JUNE OFFER

Someone is looking up to you for leadership. You may not think of yourself as a leader, but stop and reflect for a moment on those who rely on you.  When was the last time you took deliberate action toward cultivating and nurturing your skills as a spiritual leader? Our leadership role, of course, originates with kingdom authority and ultimately we have to answer to God for how we lead. This month we are recommending a book by Oswald Sanders called Spiritual Leadership. This timeless classic delivers principles of excellence for every believer to fulfill your role as a spiritual leader. Get your copy of Spiritual Leadership for a donation of any amount this month.

Click Here to visit Focal Point Ministries' website

SHARE

Christianity / Devotionals / The Weekly Focal Point / The Weekly Focal Point - June 20