Is it Okay to  tell a Lie?

I read a piece about a Christian actress who said that she would tell a lie to win on a reality TV show. She planned to share her proceeds with a church if she won. It made news because she professes to be a Christian—other Hollywood bigwigs could admit to lying and no one would bat an eye.

Is telling a lie a big deal or not?

All of us, at one time or another, has lied. We lie outright, we lie in omission, we lie when we are afraid, we lie on accident, we lie in our exaggerations, and so on. There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

So what’s wrong with a little white lie? Or if I exaggerated a story by just one word…is that sinful?

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Is telling a lie less sinful than the other nine commandments in Exodus 20? What if, she said “I would have an affair to win” or “I would kill somebody to win.” Would it be alright as long as she gave all the proceeds to orphans?

If we are going to lie just like everyone else, how are we different from the world? Christians are unique. Jesus said we are the salt of the earth and if the salt loses its flavor…what is it good for? (Matthew 5:13)

How bland life would be without seasoned salt! Have you ever had the unexpected surprise of taking a bite of a meal that was so much better than you thought it would be? It’s like the BAM! 

Are you the BAM in your home, workplace, school, or neighborhood for Christ?

It’s not about being perfect, sinless, or without fault. It’s about a real relationship with God that brings out the best in you and those around you. Will you tell the truth so that others can experience the delectable flavor of God flowing out of you?

Scripture Reference: The New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.