Finding Freedom in the Truth

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32 NIV)

Because I have been sick most of this week, I have watched a lot of television to pass the time.  And as a result of all the news about the Obamacare rollout, I found myself intrigued by how the president’s press secretary, his cabinet secretary overseeing the program, and the president himself have handled the outrage over his promise that “if you like your current healthcare plan, you can keep it. Period.” which turned out not to be true.  It made me cringe to hear their answers, as they tried every way they could to avoid admitting the president had not told the truth.  

Now I know there are political reasons why they are so reluctant to admit a lie.  There always are for politicians.  In this case, the administration understandably doesn’t want to give the Republicans any more ammunition in seeking to end the health care law.  Yet, regardless of their motives, they are squirming now because people know the truth and are just waiting for them to admit it.  

This is just a new version of a very old story, which began in the Garden of Eden when lies and deception first entered into our world. (Genesis 3) Since then, lying in order to get what we want or to avoid taking responsibility has been part of this life.  Yet most liars will admit after the fact that they became slaves to their lies.  Covering lies takes a lot of effort, not only mentally when we have to think through everything we say in order to continue the cover-up, but emotionally as well because we have been created by One who is Truth.  Unless our conscience has been totally seared, telling and living lies is extremely draining.  This is why so many who lie finally admit to it because they grow weary of trying to cover it up, or express relief when their lies are finally exposed.  

Lying is natural in this fallen world, but our Creator does not lie; thus, lying exacts a price—slavery.  We are held captive by the lies we tell until we confess the truth.  By doing so, Jesus says we will be set free.  

Today, are there any lies that you are living?  If so, are you tired of bearing the burden of them?  Know there is only one way to be freed from it—to tell the truth.  

© Jim Musser 2013