Truth and Falsehood

Chico Y.

"Never tell lies!" This is a prevalent social moral standard.  A little child is taught to speak truth once he learns how to express himself.  A school pupil is expected not to cheat on academic tests or extracurricular competitions.  An adult's credibility is indispensable if he intends to live harmoniously with others.  Our common experience points out one basic fact: out of truth, people benefit; out of falsehood, people get harmed.

The scripture confirms: "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment" (Prov 12:19).  The different consequences between truth and falsehood lie exactly in the disparity between "forever" and "a moment." Lies could misguide people and get their way for a moment, but the falsehood inherent in lies will be exposed.  Only the words of truth will be able to sustain the test of time.  Falsehood promises nothing.  The transitoriness of its nature often deprives a person of his faith.

Our Lord is a faithful God.  He never lies.  Every word of His is trustworthy.  The Bible says, "Forever, O Lord, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens.  Thy faithfulness endures to all generations" (Ps 119:89-90).  The steadfastness of our Lord attests to the fact that He is the Truth.  It is the Truth that deserves our wholehearted belief.

A Christian is required to stay away from falsehood and grow up in every way into Christ, the Truth (Eph 4:15).  In order to gain eternity, we must be honest and able to face God and people with a clear conscience.  This is Paul's touching testimony: "I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience bears- me witness in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 9: 1).