11/14/20 THE ONE ANOTHER’S IN THE NT #26 — Colossians 3:9 (CSB) DO NOT LIE TO ONE ANOTHER, since you have put off the old self with its practices

Note: Paul’s letters to the Ephesians and Colossians are VERY similar. (See 11/10/20 post re: Eph.4:25)

As a father, grandfather, deacon and pastor, I have seen an almost universal trait develop in (nearly) all children. At about two years of age, as they first learn the meaning and power of the word “NO,” they seem to learn to lie. Even if they are the only human in the room, when a parent asks if they made this mess, they loudly proclaim, “No!”

By the way, politicians and news anchors, just because someone says something you disagree with, that does NOT mean he or she lied. Same goes for genuine mistakes in speaking. But lying is such a strong temptation for all of us. Whenever the truth is embarrassing or painful, we are tempted to lie. But as Paul points out, lying is one of the characteristics of the “old self,” that part of you which was replaced and renewed when you were saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Believers, let’s be careful to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”