What is Lying Good For?

1. The Nature of Lying: A Sin Against God’s Truth

Lying is not merely a social misstep. Never minimize lying. it is a direct affront to God, who is the embodiment of truth. Scripture identifies Satan as the “father of lies” and is a complete contradiction to God’s unchanging truthfulness. Remember that when you were addicted, you most probably were not the most honest person. This is why you lost the trust of your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, etc. When using, people make up very detailed lies to try and cover up their addiction. So, this is very important for those who have been through a chemical or behavioral addiction. That addiction could even be lying.

Meditation Verses:

• John 8:44 (NKJV): “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”
• Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV): “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Lying aligns us with the enemy rather than with God, who delights in truth. Yahweh God is 100% TRUTH. If we are to mirror Him, we are also truth tellers and we are unable to lie. Lies distort reality, harms or ends relationships, and grieves the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. When have you lied to protect yourself or gain an advantage? What motivated you to make that choice?
2. How does choosing truth in your daily life reflect God’s delight in honesty and truth?
3. How does recognizing Satan as the “father of lies” challenge your view of seemingly “small” lies?

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2. The Consequences of Lying: A Path to Destruction

The Bible warns that lying, when embraced or habitual, leads to spiritual ruin and eternal consequences. God’s judgment is clear for those who persist in deceit without repentance.

Meditation Verses:

• Revelation 21:8 (NKJV): “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
• Proverbs 19:9 (NKJV): “A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.”
• Psalm 5:6 (NKJV): “You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.”

These passages underscore that lying is not a trivial sin or anything you can fluff off as a bad habit. “All liars” face the same judgment as murderers and idolaters if they remain unrepentant. True repentance is defined by NEVER going back to the sins you’ve repented of. Habitual lying hardens the heart, making it difficult, if not impossible, to hear God’s voice or seek forgiveness.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. How does the warning of Revelation 21:8 challenge your attitude toward lying in daily life?
2. Have you ever noticed lying becoming a habit in certain areas of your life? What steps can you take to break that cycle?
3. How does the promise of God’s judgment motivate you to pursue truth, even when it could cost you everything?

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3. Chronic Liars and the State of Their Salvation

Chronic liars are those who habitually and comfortably engage in lies and deceit without repentance. These are people who demonstrate a heart that is not surrendered or committed to Christ. Scripture boldly screams out that such a lifestyle is incompatible with genuine salvation, as it reflects a rejection of God’s truth and a lack of transformation which signifies the absence of the Holy Spirit.

Key Verses:

• 1 John 2:4 (NKJV): “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
• Ephesians 5:5-6 (NKJV): “For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
• Titus 1:16 (NKJV): “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”

A chronic liar who claims to be saved but shows no fruit of repentance or pursuit of truth denies Christ through their actions. Salvation requires a transformed heart that seeks to align with God’s truth, not a lifestyle of persistent deceit.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. How does the statement that chronic lying reflects an unsaved heart challenge your understanding of salvation?
2. What areas in your life reflect that you’ve become comfortable with deceit? What does this reveal about your relationship with God?
3. Knowing that you can’t do this on your own, what will you do today to ensure that your actions, going forward, will align with a heart transformed by Christ?

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4. The Call to Truth: Living as Children of Light

God calls His people to reflect His character by speaking truth and living with integrity. Truthfulness fosters trust, honors God, and aligns us with His kingdom. Reflect on the people you’ve lied to who have now distanced themselves from you or totally separated from you.

Key Verses:

• Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV): “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
• Colossians 3:9-10 (NKJV): “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
• Zechariah 8:16 (NKJV): “These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace.”

As believers, we are called to “put away” lying as part of the old self and embrace the new life in Christ. Truth-telling is not just about words but about living authentically before God, your family, your friends, and others.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. In what relationships or situations do you find it hardest to speak the truth? Why?
2. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of truthfulness that reflects the “new man” in Christ?
3. What practical steps can you take, starting now, to speak truth with love, even in difficult conversations?

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5. The Grace of Repentance: Turning from Lies to Truth

While lying is a serious sin, God’s grace offers forgiveness and transformation to those who come to Jesus and truly repent. Confession and reliance on the Holy Spirit empower us to end deceit.

Key Verses:

• 1 John 1:9 (NKJV): “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Psalm 32:5 (NKJV): “I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
• James 5:16 (NKJV): “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Repentance involves not only confessing lies but also committing to a life of truth through God’s strength. Accountability with other believers can support this transformation.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. What are the lies you need to confess to? If you choose to refuse to answer this question, what is holding you back from doing so?
2. Have you ever experienced God’s forgiveness and be blessed because of it in the past? How does that encourage you to repent of lying right now?
3. Who in your life can you trust to hold you accountable for speaking truth? How will you invite their support?

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6. Practical Application: Guarding Against Lies

To avoid the sin of lying, we must guard our hearts, words, and actions. Scripture provides wisdom for cultivating truthfulness in everyday life.

Key Verses:

• Proverbs 4:23-24 (NKJV): “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.”
• Philippians 4:8 (NKJV): “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
• Psalm 141:3 (NKJV): “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

By focusing on what is true and pure, and by seeking God’s help to guard our speech, we can resist the temptation to lie and grow in integrity and His righteousness.

Reflective Coaching Questions:

1. What triggers trigger you to lie, and how can you prepare to respond with truth instead?
2. How can meditating on “whatever things are true” (Philippians 4:8) shape your thoughts and words?
3. What specific prayer or practice can you adopt to ask God to guard your mouth against lies?

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In Summary: Choosing Truth Over Lies

Lying is a deadly sin that aligns us with Satan, who is the enemy of our soul, damages or ends relationships, and risks eternal consequences if embraced without true repentance. Chronic liars, who persist in deceit without remorse, demonstrate a heart that is not surrendered to Christ and are not saved unless they repent and turn to Jesus and His truth. God’s Word offers hope: through Christ, we can confess our sins, receive forgiveness, and live as children of truth. This study challenges us to examine our hearts, reject deceit, and purify our souls.

Have a blessed rest of your day by being honest and truthful without submitting to lies, but by submitting to Jesus.