Most termites aren’t even a half inch long, insignificant individually; but in colonies they destroy about 600,000 U.S. homes each year. Likewise, a lie may seem innocuous in and of itself. People lie because often fibs have the desired effect of avoiding some type of loss. But in the long run, lies damage lives like tiny termites chewing on a big house. A lie leads to an infestation of lies. Once someone is caught in a lie, how can people trust that person to tell the truth?

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23

In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira sold land, gave some of the money to the church and kept some for themselves (Acts 5:1-11). This wasn’t wrong in itself. But they lied about it. They said they gave the church the whole amount. They “sold the truth” to look good in the eyes of their peers – and they paid for it with their lives.

Examine your heart. Are you honest with God, others and yourself? Next time you are tempted to lie, ask yourself what kind of price tag you’re putting on your own integrity? Pray for a resurgence of honesty in Americans, from small children to the political leaders of the United States.

Recommended Reading: John 8:39-47