Witnessing Falsely

Scripture: (Psalm 15:1-3b NKJ) -  Lord, who may abide in Your Tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks upright, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; Nor does evil to his neighbor. (Exodus 20:16  NKJ)  “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

I can still recall how I felt when a co-worker spoke a lie concerning me at an open departmental meeting. Her words came forth, so convincing as I stared at her face. God knew I knew and,  she knew that her words were all lies,  intent to damage my character. She would allow Satan to enter her heart to justify her contrary behavior. She yields to Satan’s tactics evidentially without considering the end result. That would happen to me, her neighbor? My heart did burn while a few scriptures ministered to me for months,  i.e. (I Pet. 2:21-23) Be followers of Jesus who did not seek revenge: (I Chron. 16:21-22)  He permitted no man to do them wrong, and touch not my anointed ones. (Prov. 3:5, 6) Trust the Lord. (Luke 18:1 NKJ)  “Men ought to always pray and not lose heart.”

I no longer ponder why David would ask such questions of the Lord as spelled out in Psalm 15:1-2. “Who dwells in Your tent? Who can live in Your holy mountain? What are the qualifications for worshiping the true God in His dwelling place?”  -The answer is clear and truthful. “The one who aligns with a Holy God – the one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth. The one who professes to love God must also walk before Him in integrity. One’s whose life reflects the great commandments to love God and to love His people, love your neighbor as yourself-“  (Mark 12:28-31).” (T. Evans Commentary p. 514).

What should a Christian’s attitude be towards lies?

1.) Put away lying- speak the truth to your neighbor. (the one whom you come in contact with) Eph. 4:25.
2.) (Ps. 120:2) Pray to God, ask that He rescue you from those who seek to destroy with their lies and deceit.
3.) (Prov. 30:7-9)  Lord, feed me with the food I need; otherwise, I  might have too much and deny You. Desire to have a kingdom-minded attitude.
4.) (Col. 3:9) Put on the clean clothes of the new self. Christ has set you free. The old self spoke lies one to another.
5.) Remove falsehood from your character-conform to the image of Christ.
6.) One cannot sow a crop of wild oats and expect a bumper crop of blessings. Whatever a man sows- that he WILL reap.

Prayer: Speak Lord, for your servant hears with an intent to obey. For You are faithful and, Your judgment is sure. In Your name, Jesus. Amen

(by Novella D. Carpenter)