Little White Lies, Black Spots!
Joyce, my wonderful wife, has told me the account of an interesting exchange between her and her mother when she was a little girl. It seems that her mother, practicing a wisdom that many parents seem to possess, warned her that not being truthful (or telling little white lies) would result in “black spots” appearing on her tongue. She was so serious with young Joyce in her explanation of this strange occurrence that Joyce was convinced it was a natural phenomenon and understood the implications as they applied to her own life. The result was that whenever mom heard the account of an incident or an explanation which sounded in the least fabricated or untrue, she simply looked Joyce in the eye and instructed, “Stick out your tongue so I can see if there are any spots!” As you may well guess, anytime Joyce was the least bit hesitant to expose her tongue to her mother’s view, it was an obvious indication that she was not telling the truth.
It’s amazing how our own conscience gives us away in the relationships of our life. When we are involved in actions or activities that we know to be improper, it produces a reluctance or withholding of ourselves from the ones we have offended and should be in open relationship with. The Bible uses the word “bondage” to describe such a feeling and straining of relations; and it is a real, destructive burden that many people try to ignore.
Jesus said;
John 8:32, “…the truth shall make you free,”
and later in that same passage;
“If the Son (Jesus) shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Most people live such selfish existences that damage the precious relationships of their lives that they can’t comprehend the fullness of the freedom God offers. Only when we are forgiven and learning to actively turn from sin by following Jesus are we able to taste and grow in the freedom of relationship that begins with God and slowly permeates every other relational experience. Where freedom reigns, love motivates the heart and servant-hood replaces selfishness – that’s the culture of God’s Kingdom!
How exciting to be His people,
Pastor David Vanderpool
