Were You Really Being Honest?

When was the last time you said something that wasn’t completely true, maybe to make yourself look better? Not a complete lie. Just something that was “slightly polished.”

I have to admit, this happened to me once on stage. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but afterward my mother said: “Déborah, that is NOT how it happened.”

Oh no, I was so embarrassed! I had apparently gotten so caught up in the story myself… This happened despite having a very strong conscience! 😬

“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). 

Wow, how relevant is this ancient commandment today!

Just think about the many, many posts on social media. There are so many different opinions, often about the same person. Surely someone must be spreading something that isn’t true…

Today, it happens so quickly. In conversations, on social media, in the news. In what we choose to repeat — or even what we intentionally choose not to share.

Because let’s be honest: Sometimes it’s not about trying to hurt someone. Sometimes it’s about making ourselves look better or avoiding an uncomfortable situation, or simply trying to “get through” something.

But this is where it gets interesting:

When you twist the truth, you lose clarity.

And eventually, you may not even know anymore what is actually real and what you have created to make things easier — just like in my situation. 

I was so grateful that my mother pointed it out to me. Because who knows? Maybe I would have continued telling the story that way.

Not because I had bad intentions, but because it no longer contained the truth. 

Jesus says: “...the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). 

So, if you want to remain free, you have to remain in the truth.

Pay attention to your words today.

Where are you tempted to twist something?Where do you want to present yourself in a better light?

And then be courageous: Tell the truth. The truth that sets you free.

You are a miracle!