Lies and More Lies

Read Genesis 18–24

Reflection

It was one thing for Jacob to take advantage of his brother’s disregard and impulsiveness but, here, we see him take the deceit to the next level. Jacob is so caught up in his pursuit of the blessing, that he sets up a whole act, including dress-ups, to trick his father into believing he is his hairy brother.

These days, a psychologist might label a person who does something like this a pathological liar. This condition is typically associated with someone who is so caught up in their own deceit that they begin to believe the lie themselves. The story they tell grows and they can’t seem to stop it from snowballing – it becomes one lie after another. Jacob had a number of times to come clean. His father asked him enough questions to expose him, but Jacob still refused to tell the truth.

At the heart of lying is an inability to accept who we are, and be vulnerable enough to expose our sins. We choose to hide our "ugly side" with a few twisted words or a carefully manipulated situation.

You might remember a time you have been caught up in a lie and, perhaps, you also remember that it didn’t feel great. That’s because truth is the only way to feel free from our sin. Don’t let a lie lead you to more sin. Instead, look to your Redeemer, the One who already took those sins to the Cross and made you right before God.

Consider and Pray

Are there parts of yourself that you are hiding from others because you know they are not quite right? Pray now for the forgiveness of Christ, knowing that He has already made you a New Creation and can help you live in Truth.