Introductory Thoughts
The Bible records the fact that Ananias lied to Peter! He told Peter that he and his wife had sold some property for a certain amount of money. Yet, God and His servant knew that he had sold it for more than that indicated to Peter. The Bible teaches that Ananias told these lies to a man but had in fact lied to the Lord (Acts 5:4). Man may not recognize the extent of a lie, but lies told to others are lies told to God. This brings a whole new perspective to the wickedness of lying. Men’s lies are not just before and against men, but they appear before and are in conflict with a holy God. No wonder the apostle Paul said, “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not” (Galatians 1:20). He understood that lying to men would be lying before God, and he did not want to be guilty of that.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): You are playing at a friend's house. After he leaves the room, you accidentally break his toy and hide it deep in the toy box. When he finds it later and asks you about it, you say you don't know anything about it. Your friend may never know the truth, but God does (Proverbs 15:3). When you lied to your friend, you also lied to God and you need to tell both of them how sorry you are.
-
(For everyone): Have you ever told a lie? Did you consider that the Lord heard you? Not only did He hear you, but did you consider that your lie was a lie to God Himself? Should this fact change your opinion about lying?
-
Do you think you would lie if you were standing in the presence of God? If not, then why do you lie just because you are not standing in front of Him? God hears every lie and He will hold us accountable for each and every one of them.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to remind you that He is listening every time you speak.
- Ask the Lord to help you understand that you are not just lying to men, but you are lying to Him.
Song
Do Not I Love Thee, O My Lord?
