What steps can we take to remain faithful and avoid "speaking lies against Me"? Why Hosea’s Warning Still Matters “Though I want to redeem them, they speak lies against Me.” (Hosea 7:13) Israel’s tragedy was not ignorance but willful unfaithfulness—running from God while still claiming to represent Him. The same danger shadows every believer today: we can bear His name yet let falsehood slip into our hearts and mouths. The High Cost of Lying about God • Lying contradicts His nature: “It is impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18) • It grieves the Spirit of truth (Ephesians 4:30). • It corrodes our witness: “You are letters from Christ.” (2 Corinthians 3:3). • It invites discipline: “He who opens his lips invites his own ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3). Ten Practical Steps to Stay Faithful and Truthful 1. Stay saturated in Scripture • “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Daily reading, memorization, and meditation align our speech with His. 2. Pursue continual heart checks • Pray with David, “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Confess instantly: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9). 3. Walk in reverent fear of the Lord • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7) • A healthy awe curbs casual, careless words. 4. Rely on the Spirit of truth • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Begin each day consciously yielding your tongue to His control (Galatians 5:16). 5. Cultivate honest relationships • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully.” (Ephesians 4:25) • Practice transparency in family, church, and work; deception thrives in isolation. 6. Guard your mouth deliberately • “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth.” (Psalm 141:3) • Pause before speaking; evaluate motive, accuracy, and tone. 7. Refuse worldly patterns • “Do not be conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2) • Media, social trends, and peer pressure often normalize exaggeration or spin; filter everything through Scripture. 8. Keep Christ’s sacrifice in view • “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19) • Gratitude for redemption fuels a passion to honor Him with truthful lips. 9. Engage in accountable community • “Let us consider how to spur one another on… not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite trusted believers to challenge any hint of dishonesty. 10. Speak truth in love • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6) • Truth without love wounds; love without truth deceives. Hold both together. Putting It Into Practice Begin today by reading Hosea 7 aloud, then pray through the ten steps, asking the Lord which area needs immediate attention. Commit to one specific adjustment—perhaps memorizing Ephesians 4:25, apologizing for a recent exaggeration, or starting a daily reading plan. As we align our hearts and words with His revealed truth, the Holy One who longed to redeem Israel will faithfully keep us from “speaking lies against” Him. |
    |