I think it was Jimmy Carter’s mother’ “Lillian,” who was being interviewed one day by a snippy young reporter known for twisting the truth in the articles she wrote. “Have you ever told a lie, Mrs Carter?” Asked the young reporter?” trying to get some dirt on the presidential family. Mrs Carter replied, “Well actually, yes… A few minutes ago, when I said It was nice to meet you.”
We laugh understandably at her reply. After all, how would you feel about someone who spoke sweetly to your face but unkindly to you when speaking to others? Or someone who gives one side of a story when talking with you but the other side when speaking to others? Their actions are considered two-faced and indicative of a lapse of integrity on their part, not to be trusted.
Living and speaking the truth becomes more challenging as our society wrestles and twists the meaning of truth. The United States Declaration of Independence acknowledges that “we hold these truths to be self-evident.” God’s truth, always considered to be absolute, has been challenged for the last 50+ years by universities that have professed that truth is relative and dependent on our interpretation of the situation. Recently, Google and Merriam-Webster have taken up to define the word “literally” in a nonliteral meaning: “Used to acknowledge that something is not literally true but is used for emphasis or to express strong feeling.” In other words, literally doesn’t mean literally in our new society.
But we are intended to live one true life that is consistent from one place and time to another, and consistent and honoring to God. And it is for our own benefit. Have you ever noticed that when you speak the truth you don’t have to worry about getting caught up in what you said to whom three weeks ago? 🙂
This is a basic leadership truth for living with integrity and respect of others: Always speak truth to all persons, with grace, and you will experience freedom.
What is the moral compass or plumb line that guides you in speaking and living with truth and integrity -with grace- each day and in all your interactions?
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Romans 8:31-32
