For the last couple of weeks, we have been dealing with our relationships with one another in Christ.  How we treat each other as Christians is pivotal, not only regarding the salvation of our souls, but also in drawing others to Christ.  When we treat each other properly, showing a united front to the world, it has the potential to lead others to believe in Jesus.  This was the reason Christ prayed that we would be one in Him (John 17:21).

To have strong relationships in Christ, we must be able to trust one another.  Trust is a bonding factor in any relationship.  An important component of trust is honesty.  We earn the trust of one another by always being honest with each other.  This is why lying is a destroyer of relationships, and we are admonished not to do it.

Colossians 3:9 (ESV)
⁹  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

Lying is an act of the old man, that is, the fleshly nature we had before obeying the gospel of Christ.  This is the second time in this epistle that Paul spoke of putting off the old self, the first time he told us when it is accomplished.

Colossians 2:11-12 (ESV)
¹¹  In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹²  having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

The “body of the flesh” is the old self that is cut off in the spiritual operation of God in baptism.  In Galatians 2:20, Paul referred to it as being crucified with Christ.  With the putting off of the old man, lying is to be done away with as well, seeing it is a sin of the flesh.

Lying is not a sin often spoken of by Christians.  Some have concluded that it is not all that bad to lie once in awhile if the situation calls for it.  Maybe as preachers we need to preach on it more often because it is a work of the flesh that condemns the soul.  

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
⁸  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Honesty is a core principle of Christianity.  In speaking of the importance of casting off the works of darkness, and putting on the armor of light, Paul said, “Let us walk honestly…” (Romans 13:12-13). 

The more honest we are with each other in Christ, the stronger our bond will be.  Let’s earn the trust of one another by never lying to each other.  Being able to trust one another in the Lord makes us stronger as individual Christians,  as well as collectively as local churches.  Remember, we want to be like Christ, and He never lied, whereas the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44).

As you wind down for the night, think about these things