We’ve heard a lot of “spin” in the past several years.  At what point is “spin” dishonest?  When is a lie a lie?  Is a half lie a truth?  Does defending and rationalizing untruth make a truth?

            Lying has been identified as a “conscious intent to deceive.”  Giving false testimony especially in court cases makes it hard for a system of justice to exist.  An absolute standard must be adhered to.  “Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”  This question used to be in court proceedings.  Now, “So help you God” has been removed in most proceedings.  What next?  When will we learn?  Little by little we are being stripped of our godly heritage!  The removal of The Ten Commandments, “So help me God” and “One nation under God,” are just a few of the sober warnings of a godless society which drains righteousness from a country.  Such removal strips away dependence upon God, bringing down a government and freedom for its citizens.

            Dishonesty not only prevents a relationship with God, but with people.  It brings chaos, pain, anger, distrust and anxiety.

            Jacob paid a great price in carrying out Rebekah’s deceiving plan.  (Genesis 21)  The consequences have been far reaching, even to this present day.  I believe the descendants of Esau and Jacob are still suffering as a result of Rebekah’s deception.

Unresolved conflicts still remain in the same region today.

            Dishonesty takes a toll and the consequences are disastrous.  The dishonest practices and the “cooking of the books” in corporate  America has deceived and robbed a tremendous number of faithful employees.  Many have lost their life savings and retirement.  They have been forced to find employment at a critical time in their lives.  Dishonesty has brought pain, anguish and poverty because of individual greed, selfishness and lies.

            It bears repeating, “Character really does count!”  What a person does in his or her personal life cannot be separated from his or her public life in spite of political opinions to the contrary.

            God has the last word.  Sooner or later there comes a day of reckoning.  “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…”  (Hosea 8:7).

              Honesty in business is mandatory.  There is no middle ground.  Everyone loses in a dishonest business transaction.  God makes it very clear about such transactions:  “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal.  He established his principle”  (Proverbs 16:11 TLB).

            Honesty and integrity brings many blessings.  It saves lives.  It keeps one from sin.  The children of honest parents are blessed.  Being honest prevents “covering up”

previous falsehoods.  Honesty upholds the government’s infrastructure.  Honesty restores integrity in the judicial system.  Honesty maintains relationships.  “Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense”  (Proverbs 13 TLB).

            Telling the truth is still “in” if one wants a happy, peaceful life.  There is still a standard for behavior.  You can read about it in God’s Word.  It cannot be improved upon.  It has stood the test of time.  In the long run, the dividends are eternal.

            In God’s Manual for Living” we are provided with the “instructions for maintenance.”  His standards for behavior are “living water” for those who obey Him.

            “And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring”  (Isaiah 58:11 TLB).

            Honesty is always the best policy because the sunshine of God’s love penetrates the darkest night, filling the repentant heart with love and mercy.

            Keep your word and you keep your life!