Why Bother to Lie? Recognizing the Liar Within and Around You

One of the worst character flaws of some, who claim to love the Lord and be obedient to his will, is the liar!  This person will not hesitate to story-tell.  No remorse and no apology follows the cold-hearted liar.  He tells stories for no apparent reason.  However, when in a room with some of these liars who don't have to worry over their public reputation sometimes they will reveal that they lied to avoid public shame, discord, or future challenges.

A woman lies to protect her title because she has a long standing history with the church while she hopes to obtain something from those she thinks she has fooled with her false stories.  A man tells falsehoods because he believes he will stand out from the rest before a group he is trying to impress.  Most importantly, he uses his lies to cover up the truth about who he really is underneath his smile, flattery, and gift-giving.

The liar has secrets.  He or she manufacturers a story with the help of hell's angels whether these people choose to admit working for the devil or not.  They think only of self and worry over those who may be impacted by their lies later.

The unsaved and saved don't mind lying to the Christian especially if the person cares, likes or dislikes his or her victim.  If he or she believes in the lie and why he or she should tell it, even if one has been a Christian for years, the individual is going to tell it!

People will excuse the liar because of his or her past good deeds, how the person treats others overall positively, health issues, lack of material wealth, or whatever other reason to make one still maintain a relationship with a liar.  However, to be in the story-tellers presence is risky and most likely one will be impacted by his or her gossip.  Avoid spreading the liar's stories and do remember that witnesses might hold you accountable in the future--guilty by association.

Some common signs about liars, check yourself:

1.  Talking so fast due to emotion, one will speak too quickly and out comes a statement or comment that is incorrect about a person or an event.  Rather than make the statement right at that very moment, he or she will keep telling a story as if it is factual when it is not.

2.  When a situation occurs when one can speak up and tell the truth, the liar avoids saying anything to appear as if everything is okay when it is not.

3.  Liars will digress when communicating a story if they think one is catching on to their lie or advise the listener "not to say anything" knowing full well they have said something untruthful to someone or a group.

4.  Liars exaggerate, make up so-called facts, and blame others when they know they are at fault.

5.  Dishonest people will avoid settings where they might be exposed.  They don't like to look people in the eye, sit down across from them, or stand still and converse.  Many are often on the move, busy, or act as if everything else is more important than having a serious conversation with others.

Solution:

When one has to confront a liar, be sure to have proof.   It is frivolous do tell someone he or she is lying if you can't prove anything.  If the liar acts as if he or she is innocent, don't work yourself up by yelling, threatening physical violence or saying or doing other things that will just make the liar look as if he or she is better than you before observants.  Maintain self-control and deal with issues with a witness or two privately.  Consider recording conversations noting dates and times you spoke with him or her.  This way in the future the person can't say he or she never spoke to you about an incident. 

A look back...

Do you recall a time when you lied?  How did the person or group react to your lie?  As much as we would like to think that we are all perfect and never do wrong, God will show us the truth about ourselves!  Confess sin and repent for the sins you know about and the sins you don't this day.  It may have been what one might consider a little fib about money spent or a huge lie that might cost you your family or job.  Give your burden over to the Lord!  Make wrongs right whenever you can.  Trust in God to lead you on what to say in the future and how to behave.

Scripture Reference (taken from NIV)

A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Proverbs 17:4

Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.  Proverbs 30:6

Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 1 John 2:4

Prayer

Protect me Oh Lord from the mouth of liars!  Give me the courage, knowledge and wisdom to deal with liars when the time comes.  I ask in Jesus name to forgive me of any lies I have told and keep me from the temptation to lie again.