Vol. 16 No. 03 | January 21, 2013
Once upon a time there was a man who had achieved more than any of his colleagues and competitors. He had won every competition he had entered. Not only did he win but he won in impressive fashion. Year after year after year he excelled. Year after year he was praised. Year after year after year he claimed the titles, received the awards, and achieved his dreams. He became an icon. His face was on the cover of almost every magazine, he appeared on every talk show on every network, he was the headliner at all the big events, his accomplishments were the subject of every radio talk show, and his name became a household word around the world. He was the best.
The rumors began. Stories of inappropriate activity began to surface. Questions of his integrity became commonplace. Conversations turned into debates. Casual talk turned into heated discussions. Investigations were launched. Hearings were called to discuss the allegations. Charges were filed. The tide was turning.
“I am innocent!”
“I did not do it.”
“I am not guilty.”
“You have it all wrong.”
“You do not understand.”
“You do not know the pressure I am under.”
“I am not lying.”
“I am telling you the truth.”
Then, the truth came out. The stories were true. He had cheated. He had lied. He had deceived. He had destroyed lives to protect his image.
He had used his power and influence to cover his crimes, his sins, his indiscretions, his poor choices, his abuses, and his shortcomings. He lied to cover his lies. He lied to protect his reputation. He lied to protect his fortune. He lied to “protect his family.”
Eventually the truth comes out. His face once again appears on the covers of magazines, newscast, and talk show promos. His image is soiled. His reputation is ruined. His integrity is lost. His family is devastated. His private life has now become the lead story on the evening news. The world that he had so carefully kept from public view is now discussed over coffee, in car pools, in living rooms, around dinner tables, in the local diner, at the lunch counter, and in small group Bible studies. The life that was once the envy of the world is now described with words of betrayal, disgust, and disbelief.
The wise man gives these words of truth on lies.
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who poursout lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.(Proverbs 6:16-19, NIV)A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:17-18, NIV)
“Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9, NIV)
Let us be people of truth. Let us live by a higher standard. Let us be people of integrity. Let us be people that other people can trust.
Tom
© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.