What does "do not lie to one another" teach about Christian honesty? Setting the Scene Colossians 3 opens by reminding believers that we “have been raised with Christ,” so our minds and lifestyles need to match our new position. Verse 9 delivers a simple, non-negotiable command: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices”. Paul speaks plainly—truthfulness is not optional; it’s part of the wardrobe change that happens when we come to Christ. Why Truthfulness Is Non-Negotiable • God’s own character is the standard – Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” – Titus 1:2: He is the “God, who cannot lie.” – When we lie, we misrepresent the God we claim to know. • Lying aligns us with the enemy, not the Savior – John 8:44: Satan “is a liar and the father of lies.” – A falsehood, no matter how small, echoes the devil’s native language. • Honesty protects the unity of the body – Ephesians 4:25: “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” – Trust is the glue of Christian fellowship; lying dissolves that bond. • Truthfulness showcases our new identity – Colossians 3:10: we’ve “put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Each act of honesty is a visible sign that Christ is at work in us. Old Self vs. New Self: The Great Exchange Old self practices • Self-preservation at any cost • Manipulating facts for gain • Hiding sin to protect image New self practices • Transparent speech—even when costly • Consistent integrity in public and private • Quick confession and restoration when we fail Paul’s language pictures changing clothes: you can’t keep the filthy garments underneath and simply layer Sunday best on top. Lies belong to the wardrobe of the past; truth belongs to the new creation. Consequences Scripture Highlights • Divine displeasure: “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22). • Personal ruin: Revelations 21:8 warns that habitual liars face eternal judgment. • Broken witness: When believers lie, the watching world doubts every claim we make about Jesus. Benefits of Cultivating Honesty • Clear conscience and unbroken fellowship with God (Psalm 32:1-2) • Deeper relationships rooted in trust • Credible testimony before non-believers • Freedom from the mental burden of keeping stories straight Practical Steps to Walk in Truth 1. Pause before you speak. Ask, “Is it accurate? Is it complete? Is it loving?” 2. Commit to full disclosure in gray areas—expense reports, online profiles, homework, taxes. 3. Keep promises, however small. Failure to follow through is a form of lying (Matthew 5:37). 4. Invite accountability. A trusted brother or sister can gently expose blind spots. 5. Repent quickly when you slip. Confess to God and the offended person; restore any damage. 6. Saturate your mind with Scripture. Truth spoken in God’s Word trains the tongue to speak truth in everyday life. Living Out the New Identity The command “Do not lie to one another” isn’t merely about avoiding false statements; it’s about displaying Christ in every conversation. As we choose honesty: • We mirror the integrity of our Savior. • We strengthen the fabric of Christ’s body. • We shine as lights in a culture comfortable with half-truths. Let the wardrobe change be evident: old garments discarded, new self displayed—one truthful word at a time. |
    |