Part one: Two Truths and a Lie
Let’s play a game called two truths and a lie. I’ll post three verses below and you will spot the fraud.
1. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion unless you fail.
3. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Did you catch it? First John 1:9 actually says “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The lie was subtle. It was blended in with the truth, so perhaps you glazed over it. We’ve experienced rejection in our relationships, so that seems realistic. However, there are several times we’re told that God doesn’t leave us or forget us. We allow little lies like this to creep in pretty frequently, don't we?
P A U S E
In Ephesians 6, the belt of truth is mentioned first. Historically a belt would have been used to carry weapons, protect vulnerable places (AKA the loins), and prevent the armor from shifting. Our armor is rendered useless when it is not properly assembled. I believe the belt is listed first because we are vulnerable without it. If our words don’t match our actions, we are considered hypocrites. In the same way, if we question God’s integrity, we will find ourselves shifting every which way.
Consider your character. Let’s get right to it. Are there areas in your life where your lifestyle doesn’t match your values? Do you struggle with dishonesty? Do you value the truth, even in small matters?
Consider God. Did you believe the lie, that our failure would result in His rejection? Do you feel that when you feel close to God or far away? By recognizing the difference, you'll develop ways to pursue the things that are helping you grow or ditch whatever is holding you back.
P R A Y
Honesty and integrity are rooted in humility. It takes genuine remorse to apologize, repent, and turn away from the lies in our lives. Ask God to forgive you for dishonesty and actions that do not match your words. Seek wisdom in taking steps toward a life that is authentic and sincere. As in any relationship, reconciliation is the result of confession and a true change of heart.
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13
P R O C L A I M
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it says “we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I've taught my kids and I try to remember to picture handcuffing and taking the things we believe before Jesus as judge and asking if they are true. I have to weed the truth from the lies because I don’t have the time or space to grow both of them here.
Who did wear it best, then?
When I think of having the courage to tell the truth, I think of Nathan. He called a KING out on an affair AND murder. A king that went to great lengths to cover the mess up. Nathan rolls up and tells a story about a rich man taking advantage of a poor man and the king is FURIOUS. He’s ready to have the rich man put to death when Nathan let’s the angry king know that he is that man. Can you even imagine? I’d be sweating in my space boots at any stage of this confrontation, but he chose to do the right thing. King David was the culprit and could have easily buried Nathan at this point. Thankfully, David had a soft heart and confessed after enduring the details of painful consequences he would face for years to come. This story is such a great example of courage, honesty, and asking forgiveness. What can we learn from it today?