The world has coined the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.” However, this policy falls short of what God commands. With the world, honesty may be the best policy, but it is not the only acceptable policy. According to man there may be times, based upon the circumstances, that dishonesty may be acceptable.
A Christian home should be a refuge from the deceitfulness of the world. It should be a place where no one ever doubts the integrity or honesty of a statement from a sibling, child, or parent. It is a place where no one has to “promise” or “swear” to be taken seriously. In the Christian home “Yes” should mean “Yes” and “No” should mean “No” just as Jesus instructed (Mat. 5:37).
Why might lying be a problem with your children? It may be because your children see dishonesty in your example. Have you ever explained away a false statement by saying that it was just a “white lie?” Friend, you can give it any color you want to, but it is still a lie! Have you ever made statements that caused people to draw a false conclusion, but defended yourself by saying, “I did not lie!” Have you ever gone outside your house so that your spouse or children would not be “lying” when they told someone on the phone that you were not home?
A casual approach towards keeping one’s word does not foster honesty in the home. Some people are quick to volunteer but slow to produce. Children notice this behavior and will surely imitate it. When you say you will do something by a certain time in a certain way, then, if it is at all possible, do it! And if you cannot, apologize.
Not doing what you say should be the exception not the rule. Yet all of us know someone who is always late. They tell you they will be somewhere at a certain time but almost always are tardy. This type of behavior teaches children that it is not important to be honest in all things.
In my home our children quickly learned that lying was an offense that guaranteed swift and painful punishment. Based upon their confession, they still may have been punished after telling the truth. But they knew the punishment would have been even greater if they lied. Lying should never be tolerated and should warrant strict disciplinary measures.
Christian parents should stress the importance of being truthful all the time to all people. They should teach and be an example of honesty, for God hates dishonesty and will punish all liars with eternal fire (Pro. 6:17; Rev. 21:8). Understanding this should help both parents and children to realize the seriousness of always telling the truth.
Comments