Lying seems to be a way of life for many people. Several years ago a survey found that 91 percent of those queried lie routinely about matters they consider trivial; 36 percent lie about important matters; 86 percent lie regularly to their parents; 75 percent lie to their friends; 73 percent lie to their siblings; 69 percent lie to their spouses.

Speaking the truth should be one of the outstanding characteristics of a follower of Christ. According to Colossians 3:9, a believer should not lie, since he has "put off the old man with his deeds." Whenever we are deceitful, we are following Satan's example, "for he is a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44).

Lies are based on the false assumption that we can hide a wrong and protect ourselves from the truth by simply denying the facts. But lying merely compounds a problem. Honest confession, on the other hand, is the quickest way to forgiveness, and it puts us back under the wise counsel and care of God.

Father, help us to live today so that we will feel no need to cover up anything we do or say. When we do sin, give us the courage to come immediately to the light rather than hiding in the temporary darkness of a lie.  —MRD II  — Mart De Haan