The Walk on Truth

There is no other way out of the mess lies create

Walking in truth is really difficult. When I first read Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life I giggled when I read rule #8: Tell the Truth. Or at least don't lie.

It felt obvious at first. Especially for a Christian. Of all the doctrinal and theological points evangelicals get in each other's throat over, "Don't Lie" simply seems to be the least provocative one.

At least I don't know of any Christian theological streams that defend lying blatantly.

But I do know many that PRACTICE it. And even though no pastor worth his salt will openly defend lying, Christian churches have their own special way of fomenting a culture that encourages it.

I can recall a few moments among fellow Christians when lying seemed to be not only preferable, but the the only survival strategy.

But for a few years now I started to notice how lies were burning a whole in my life. I never thought of myself as a big liar before, but after I started to notice how often I told little lies I noticed how much of my life depended on little fibs.

But no lie was bigger, or more devastating, then the ones I told myself. I spent my childhood and teenage years deathly afraid of being seen as who I really was, so I would lie to everybody, starting with myself.

I hoped that if I lied enough about myself I could eventually become someone else.

But I was simply ignoring one of the basic tenants of the faith: only the truth can set us free.

I not only told lies about myself, but I also welcomed every lie that would make me feel better. And oh, how dangerous well intentioned lies are.

After I started to try to be as honest as I could I became terrified at each revelation of truth about myself. About how I acted, how I felt, what I really thought of God, etc.

But the thing about the Christian life is that, there is no other way, only the truth. So I venture out, and try to see things for what they are, at least to the best of my ability.

I'll tell you this, seeing you for who you really are is an exercise of courage. Most people can't take it. Most people run away screaming from their true selves. Sincerely, I think personal honestly got be to the bring of panic, or depression, a few times.

But another thing about the Christian life is that we never have to face the truth alone. As bad as it is, we have a merciful God. A Lord who understands what it is like to be human, so we can count on Him to not be shocked by our true nature, and to help us truly transform it.

There is hope for you in Christ too, regardless of how truly awful you may feel. Engage with Him, and you will see.