Today's Daily Lesson comes from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 12:
12 Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more towards you.
Many years ago I wanted to go into politics and landed an UNPAID internship in a Congressional office in Washington. My job was to answer the phone, and I was told that if anyone wanted to speak with the Congressman I was to tell them he was on the floor of the House voting -- even when he wasn't. It was a little lie that happens not only in Congressional offices but everywhere else also, but it didn't sit well with me. Neither did the sleight of hand public support of bills, which had almost all Congressional leaders' public endorsement, yet kept dying in Committee because at least half of Congress didn't really support them at all.
These were little lies, but they didn't sit well with me. Now there's a Big Lie out there, made possible by years and years of little lies that form its foundation.
This morning's Lesson is about a frankness and sincerity, and a clean conscience before God and neighbor. Jesus taught us to let our "Yes" be yes, and our "No" be no. No equivocation. No sleight of hand. No pretense. No little "white" lies. (Why are they called "white"?)
Our "Yes" should be yes, and our "No" should be no. And if you are working anywhere that tells you you need to lie on the job, then know that I pray for you. That is tough spot; and I do pray wisdom, guidance, and protection for you as you seek to find a way out of what is an abusive workplace where truth is only the first victim.
Ryon Price is Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
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