Lying? It’s Only Your Credibility.

Came the voice over the phone – “The oil pan plug was stripped, but I think we can fix it. If not, you will need a new oil pan.”

  • Reply from the last place that changed the oil. – The mechanic did not realize he stripped it.
    – My thought – Oh really? How could they not know? Whenever I have stripped a bolt / messed up threads it either does not go in all the way, or it will not tighten.

This happened probably 18 years ago. Do you think someone lied? It made an impression on me. It is not a question of forgiveness. I am not holding a grudge. I do, however, want to illustrate a point here.

I have had similar conversations recently.

  • One person nervously told me that my book was rejected for inclusion in a collection. Upon one phone call, another indicated to me that the book did not go through the proper process. It never made it to the committee for a vote.

Credibility? What can I say? I have a ton of respect for folks that are honest. Don’t you? What does scripture say about honestly and lying?

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
-Proverbs 12:22

My prayer for you is that you would heed God’s Word. It also says . . .

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
-Proverbs 20:11

Life application:

Challenge: If you are in the habit of lying, stop. You are betting your reputation on no one asking the “follow-up” questions.  – What? Why? Who? How? When?

Challenge: Parents, hold your children accountable. Teach them to be honest and take responsibility for their actions. It will make a huge difference in their future.

Blessings from The Bouncing Beaver

(Update: Bouncing Beaver is a name that I used when I first started this blog.)