THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, January 19, 2024

Lord, Psalm 3:1-2 warns of our enemies. Even peaceful and loving Christ followers have many enemies. In parts of the world, these enemies persecute and cause your people great harm. Thousands have been slaughtered because they placed their trust in you, Jesus. Many are sent to prisons with unspeakable horrid conditions. Despite torture, by your grace and strength, they refuse to renounce you.  

Here in the “civilized” western world, your followers might not have “flesh and blood” enemies, but spiritual enemies abound, desiring nothing more than to destroy our relationship with you. We recognize greed and self-righteous pride as two of our biggest adversaries of faith. Another spiritual enemy hides openly before us—a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16–19).

Lord, is this Satan’s favorite tool? After all, he wears the title of “A liar, and the father of lies,” (John 8:44). 

We all have told lies in one way or another. We call these “little white lies.” For instance, for their personal safety, husbands have learned how to carefully answer their wife when asked about their looks. He may compliment her hair verbally, but internally he is thinking, “Did a mouse make a nest on your head?”

How alarming this enemy easily slips into our conversations, especially when pride is present. A little embellishment to our resume that makes us look more employable. How about one-upping someone with a more glamorous story of bravery and danger. As a former race car driver, it’s so tempting to relive stories where I won every race, set every speed record, and became a household name.

Numerous proverbs warn of over inflating ourselves—or our bank account. Jesus, you taught it is best to just say, “Yes,” or “No” to keep our tongues from sinning (Matthew 5:37). Your earthly brother James expounded on the same dangers (James 3:1–12).

For a Christ follower, once a lie is exposed, our credibility is questioned. Some may even doubt our salvation. Repentance is a must. Trust will take time to be restored. Openness might be painful but may be necessary.

Lord, help us muzzle our mouth when tempted to go beyond the truth.  Amen, Jesus.