When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:13 (NIV)
We have a crisis in this country regarding speaking the truth. The military is certainly no exception. Surveys vary, but some estimate that as many as 90 percent of Americans lie regularly: half-truths, exaggeration, silent lies, blatant lies, and “little white lies” to name just a few.
Increasingly, society today doesn’t see lying as a huge issue. Afterall, everyone does it. But there’s a problem with this thinking. God doesn’t view lying this way. He hates all lying and falsehood. Further, Jesus warns us about Satan: “for he is a liar and the father of lies” John 8:44 (NIV).
Saul lies to Samuel in the above verse. For the full context, read 1 Samuel 15. God gave Saul an order to destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them. Saul disobeyed, keeping the Amalekite king alive while also taking the best of the enemy’s sheep and cattle.
Saul’s lies cost him his position as king over Israel. Have you seriously considered the possible consequences of your lying?
Regardless of the motive, lying is wrong. Honor God: speak the truth!
The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.
