1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”
Have you ever gotten together with old friends and told stories about the things you did when you were younger? Not just the normal details of what happened, but the added exaggerations that border on being unbelievable? Maybe you purposely leave out or change some of the truth so you don’t look as bad?
We all have conversations every day about things that happened in the past. It could relate to anything that has happened in the last few minutes to any time back as far as you can remember. Most of the time we do not know where our interactions will lead or the subjects they will touch.
We may not have any influence over the topic of conversation, but we do have complete control over how we respond. However, this may be another area of contention because we may want to argue certain points about the nature of the interaction. This is like trying to put into words what your subconscious wants to use to hold back or change certain accurate details. My boss doesn’t need to know everything, my family wouldn’t understand, or any number of excuses we use.
We’ve all had those moments brought up in the opening questions when you just can’t resist adding more to the actual story. The fish that is now six inches longer, the deal that doubled in size, or maybe the championship play that didn’t quite happen the way we explained. Our fantasy should not overshadow the truth.
Some stories can be more fun that way, but we can get ourselves into a bad habit where we embellish without even thinking about it. This also sets the stage for all the other situations where we begin to change or leave out the details that may embarrass us. Then it’s a very short step to lying without even thinking about it or making something else up entirely.
We all know someone like this who always has a story that can out do any that is being shared and it doesn’t make a difference what the subject is. Maybe we have to get real and admit that we are that person. Take a minute and be honest with yourself. Think about your last important conversation and what you may have said.
I know that my biggest transgression over the years has been that I may leave out certain details that I do not want someone else to know. It may be that embarrassing moment from childhood or maybe the project wasn’t going exactly as it should. There are many times I may fabricate a story in my mind, but I can’t go through with it.
There is one quote that is very popular that people want to use to make their point against lying. “And the truth shall set you free.” Yes, this simple statement can release us from the guilt and negative emotions we may have, but it is not really the full passage.
We can find more detail in John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” In this case Jesus was telling people that if they follow His word they would know truth. It is this truth that will set you free.
Yes, the concept is very similar, but by knowing the Lord’s truth there will be no need to lie, and this is the first step to freeing yourself from the urges to do so. It is very liberating to find peace in the Lord, but these feelings should not be kept to ourselves. That is why they need to be shared as the Lord has instructed us.
The real truth should be the center of any testimony. No matter how we come to the Lord, we know the change that came from it. The peace we find from the burdens that are lifted. Our eyes being opened to where and who we can help. Our ears hearing from the Lord telling us how to get through whatever we are facing.
These are some of the things that should not be kept to ourselves. How we were before and the hope we found is what needs to be shared with those around us. Finding the Lord is the why we changed, and we should be ready defend that change as the opening scripture says. Especially when our hearts are opened to the love, grace and forgiveness of the Lord.
We have to remember that it’s not just the warm and fuzzy parts, it’s all the dirty little details. We need to follow Isaiah 54:4, “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame.” No fear, no shame, and no disgrace.
We cannot truly share what the Lord has done in our lives by sugar coating our sins or exaggerating the power of the Holy Spirit when it entered our lives. The plain and simple truth has enough power to stand on its own. Rejoice in the Lord and share as in 1 Chronicles 16:8, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!”
So, join me in sharing your testimony with everyone around you. Not just the short watered-down version, but every shadow and demon that you have ever faced. Let them feel the changes you went through and the Lord’s power in every word as you keep it real.
I just can’t help embellishing some stories that I tell,
The bigger fish, the better deal, the dramatic time I fell.
This can bring laughs or admiration for things that I achieved,
Even though there were no accomplishment, only what was perceived.
Sometimes I can get carried away by exaggerating my life,
Not caring if I am lying or creating controversy or strife.
Lord, I know that I should be truthful in everything I say,
But admiration seems more important than the honesty I display.
My child, all your words have power no matter why they’ve been said,
In the end you still must choose the message that you want spread.
Instead of covering yourself with glory or hiding the shame you feel,
You should be honest with the details and try more to keep it real.
When you share your story with other about how you found My light,
It should be all the messy details and how you are now made right.
Everyone should be moved by your words and know they’re from the heart,
With all your actions backing them up, Showing My Love you want to impart.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 