“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:17

When you think about it, the concept of lying is being marketed all around us. Pop culture has brought us series like “Pretty Little Liars,” novel turned popular TV show “Big Little Lies,” and even chart-topping hits like “Little Lies” by [my all-time favorite band] Fleetwood Mac. And there’s one “little” thing they have in common: the presentation of dishonesty as a minor offense. Like most people, I’ve really bought into the concept of a little lie over the course of my life. Yes, maybe that friend’s haircut is a hack-job, but she deserves a compliment from someone. Yes, maybe I’m behind on that project my boss has been asking about, but it will look better for me if I say it’s right on schedule. Yes, maybe I spent a little more at Target than planned, but what Ben doesn’t know won’t kill him.

The problem is that every LITTLE lie has the potential for BIG repercussions. I compromise my character with every dishonest action, half-truth, and rationalization.

As Christians, we can be very hypocritical. We exalt our abilities to say no to “big” sins like adultery and murder, when a “little” dishonesty is like second nature — especially when it doesn’t seem to hurt anybody. But we are just lying to ourselves when we say that these sins are any less dangerous.

The bible is very clear on truthfulness. Proverbs 12:22 says

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Am I trustworthy and honorable in all I do? Do my words ring true? Do I speak the truth in love or do I fade the facts now and then, or exaggerate for emphasis? If so, I may turn to God with complete confidence and ask for forgiveness and for a good and honest heart — to make truthfulness an integral part of my nature. And the One who has begun a good work in me is faithful. For He is the ultimate source of truth.