Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 17:20, ” And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, ‘Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?’ So the woman said, ‘They have gone over the water brook.’ And when they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. ” 

Background

Keeping secrets is hard. And I’m not necessarily talking about dealing with the temptation to tell someone what you are privy to. Some people seem to manage that challenge quite well, while others would carry a strong resemblance to a sieve regarding private information. No, the difficulty that I am speaking of has more to do with remaining true to your vow of silence while at the same time not crossing the line that separates honesty from dishonesty. If no one suspects that you are the keeper of some hidden treasure, then your only challenge is to not open your mouth about it. And while we all recognize that that’s easier said than done for some, it really is the only tipping point. But when someone comes to you with questions, and you must balance secrecy, diplomacy, and honesty, that mountain is much steeper to climb. Herein enters the white lie. A tactical combination of deception and benevolence, the white lie is a social norm that is so common, we expect it over any other response in certain situations. We feel that the greater good is served by doctoring up the truth, so we spin it just enough to avoid a mess. And many times, that seems easiest and best. Surprises are not ruined, feelings are not hurt, plans are not spoiled. 

Application

I’m not sure how different our lives would be if we always spoke with complete honesty. To be sure, much more love and compassion would be required in the words we utter. And perhaps that’s our Achilles’ heel. When it comes down to it, we don’t have the charity for one another that we should have. Or at least we don’t know how to express it. Paul said that even speaking with the tongues of angels is like clanging a cymbal when there is no love. I don’t know how to avoid the questions when you’ve got a secret, and when lives are at stake, the answers are many times more critical. But I do know we are called to speak the truth in love, and in doing so, we grow up into Christ, who is the head of the body. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, take the white out of your lie and consider the truth behind what you say. Let love be your motivation, and your goal. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words