Lying is a problem, and that’s the truth.
Untruthfulness is very common as seen in the following statistics from the 1991 book The Day America Told the Truth by James Patterson and Peter Kim:
• 91% of people lie routinely about matters they consider trivial
• 36% lie about important matters
• 86% lie regularly to their parents
• 75% lie regularly to their friends
• 73% lie regularly to their siblings
• 69% lie regularly to their spouses
• 59% lie regularly to their kids
• 69% of Americans believe there is nothing wrong with telling a lie
This is a real problem when we consider that many of these Americans consider themselves to be Christians, even born-again believers. What ever happened to integrity? If there were a way to measure your IQ (Integrity Quotient), how high would it be?
Today’s spiritual health exam is on integrity: What’s my Integrity Quotient (IQ)?
David writes in Psalm 26:9-11, “Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.”
David makes a conscious decision to walk in integrity. David may not have been perfect, but he decided to be honest. And on the basis of God’s mercy he asks the Lord to make it happen. He says, “Redeem me and be merciful to me.” David knows he cannot make it happen on his own. He needs a merciful redeemer.
Integrity starts with being honest with ourselves and honest to God. If we can start there, God can take us the rest of the way.
How are you doing on integrity? Is it easy for you to be honest? When is it hard?
Posts
That is sad how many people lie. Thank you for posting those stats.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Kevin, and I'm a liar.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to be. Most of the time it's just an exaggeration for one reason or another. Other times, it's because I don't want to hurt other people's feelings. But most of the time, it's because I want people to think more highly of me than they should.
Thanks for the GREAT post. (and I ain't lying about that)
Becky,
ReplyDeleteEven those of us who are making an effort at integrity find ourselves as liars at times. I am so glad we have a merciful redeemer who helps us.
Thanks for stopping here and commenting.
--Richard
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have come to the same place as me. I may not always be honest, but at least I am learning to be honest with God about my dishonesty.
--Richard
Since we are having confession... I have to admit that I don't like my mother-in-laws chicken even though I tell her I do. Whew! I feel so much better to get that out in the open. Just please don't tell my wife. Cause then I'll be forced to deny the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat message about integrity. We should all weigh our words more carefully and realize that we are teaching people whether or not they can trust us with our words.
Larry,
ReplyDeleteLol, I am lucky that my MIL is a great cook! But she is getting a little senile as time goes by. I may need that grace with her yet.
Thanks for commenting.
--Richard