Amelia Student Ministries - Amelia Church of Christ

I am quite certain that everyone has heard the saying ‘a little white lie never hurt anyone.’  This wisdom of course would tell you that it is okay to tell someone a lie to keep them from getting hurt, or for that matter  to keep them from disliking you. That is an interesting thought. I often wonder if this is true. Often times it does seem pretty ok to tell someone something that seems beneficial. For instance what if someone asks, “Do you think I am a good singer?”  Well in truth, say they are the worst singer you have ever heard, but it would be mean and rude to tell them that right? So is it then better to tell them a ‘white’ lie?

Well lets look at the Bible and see where it stands first. In John 8:44, Jesus tells us that Satan is the ‘Father of Lies.’  In fact that same verse says that when the devil tells a lie, ‘he is speaking his native tongue.’  Hmm…this verse doesn’t really seem to specify what type of lie. In fact it doesn’t really specify the purpose behind the lie either.  I mean the lie was all well intentioned and for the right reason, right? Well in 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul tells us that ‘Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.’  Satan often hides in things that look pretty good and well intentioned.

So yes, ‘white’ lies are just as much sin as telling a judge that a glove that obviously fits your hand doesn’t fit (I don’t know if you guys get the O.J. Simpson reference).  But I think it is often the ‘white’ lies that we tell ourselves that are the most dangerous. “I’m just not good enough to try out for the team.” “I am not pretty enough.” “My thoughts and opinions aren’t good enough or deep enough or important enough to be heard.” “There is no way that I could step up and serve in church because I am too young.”  These are the little, ‘harmless’ lies that we tell ourselves.  These are the lies that we fill our heads with that prevent God from moving in our lives.  If we tell ourselves that we can’t enough, God will will eventually respect the choice we make and stop trying to use us. But I will tell you right now….God wants to use you.

Are you going to stop lying to yourself and let him?