Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.'"
Text: Ephesians 4:25
DEALING WITH A SPECIFIC SIN-PROBLEM
From general words of encouragement, Paul went on to deal with a very specific sin-problem. One of the hardest sins to deal with would arguably be the sin of the tongue. Both the Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures warn against this particular problem.
1. An Old Testament concern
In the Book of Proverbs, the sin of lying is listed as one of the seven abominable sins that God hates in particular.
These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
PROVERBS 6:16-19
The matter of “lying” cannot be taken lightly, if it is listed as one of the seven abominable sins!
2. A New Testament concern
The book of James devotes a whole chapter on the subject of the sin-problem of the untamable tongue.
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
The tongue is so set among our members
That it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the
course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
JAMES 3:6, 8
James underscores what was written in the Book of Proverbs. His thoughts add an ominous tone to the problem of misuse of the tongue.
THE ONLY WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS SIN-PROBLEM EFFECTIVELY
Paul offers a great solution. He suggests that all must determine to “speak truth with his neighbour”. Paul added another important thought to encourage truth-speaking- the fact that we are “members one of another”.
Lying may have been deemed “normal” in the past, but for the believer in Christ, this must cease. Truth-speaking must be the new feature in the life of the person who professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.