The Ten Commandments

The 9th Commandment

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

Exodus 20:16

This command actually has two connotations: 

1. Don’t be a false witness
2. Don’t lie

So if you end up going to court, or being questioned by the authorities, tell the truth. And all the time, no matter what the circumstances or the people involved, tell the truth. 

This may not seem like a big deal, but it is to God. And for that reason alone, we would do well to heed His word. Think of all of the hardship that has come from deceitful politicians, for example. A dishonest word in the right ear at the right time can cause all kinds of calamity and chaos. Don’t fool yourself, either. Delusion is just another kind of deceit. Deceit is extremely disgusting to the always-truthful God of all creation. 

Just read this (2 Timothy, chapter 3):

¹ You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

⁶ They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.⁷ (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) ⁸ These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. ⁹ But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

¹⁰ But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. ¹¹ You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. ¹² Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. ¹⁵ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

When Church leaders teach false doctrines, those may be some of the worst lies ever. Be on your guard against false teaching in the Church – it will increase as the days proceed toward the end of the age. Count on it. Be sure to read your Bible and make sure that what you are being taught is what the Word actually says. 

Jesus warned us that the tribulation (the horrible events of the last days before His return to earth) will begin with deception. So be on your guard.

If we cannot trust each other, then we do not have much of a relationship to hold onto. And if the Church is known for deceit (which is what bad doctrine is), then what good is it to anyone? Be on your guard against false teaching in the Church. It is a false witness for our Righteous Father above.

Be firm. Be real. Be honest – no matter the cost.

Gary

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