...Is synonymous with putting off the “old self” (Ephesians 4:22).

This is so essential because the old self is corrupted by deceitful lusts. Lying does damage to the conscience and the soul. It is interesting to note that this spoiling, or ruining, of one’s spiritual self is, at least sometimes, driven by lusts and ungodly desires. Is this suggesting that one lies to cover up other acts of iniquity? That is a behavior characteristic of a godless person. The only way to put away the practice of lying is to break free from the service of sin (Romans 6:17-18).

...Is the precursor to speaking truth (Ephesians 4:25).

Until a lie is no longer a verbal option in our dealings with our “neighbor,” we will be stuck in that old way which ultimately leads to corruption. By eliminating this sin of the tongue (and heart), we allow ourselves to engage in completely honest discourse about whatever discussion is under consideration. This has a powerfully positive impact on every relationship a Christian bears, in the home, the church, the workplace, and the community. Honesty is great for the reputation of a Christian, and it makes one the most effective servant of Christ.

...Is motivated by an appreciation of unity (Ephesians 4:25).

Why put away lying? “We are members one of another.” Our actions affect others. Our lies betray, anger, hurt, and alienate their victims. In whatever context the lie occurs, it is a wholly selfish and self-serving act. Such egocentricity tears at and destroys unity, making such difficult. Lying is a stone wall separating hearts and lives. Sobering indeed is the charge of Jesus against liars, that any such “are of your father the devil, and the lusts of you father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Liars are allied with Satan!

Are you being honest with your spouse? Your family? Your government? Your friends? Your brethren? Your God? The hopeful message of Ephesians 4 is that the old self can be put away and the new self can be put on. In view of eternity, put away lying!

Milkweed is poisonous. When damaged or bitten, it sends extra poisonous sap to the area as a way of protecting itself. Monarch caterpillars, though, feed on milkweed. However, when they hatch, they are not entirely immune to the problem, the caterpillar cuts out a circular section of the leaf that has low concentrations of the poison, and takes it aside to feed on while the plant is busy sending lots of poison to the wound. As the caterpillar feeds on the leaf section it had cut out, it builds immunity to the poison. This enables it to eat the milkweed without any problems. In doing this, it also becomes poisonous itself to predators! So, the poison of the milkweed protects the monarch, and the monarch in return pollinates the milkweed! This relationship defies evolution. How many monarch caterpillars died trying to figure out how to become resistant to the milkweed’s poison? Of course, God created it this way! “And God made.. Everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind; God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:25).

Adapted

You are the one
who has to decide
Whether you’ll do it
or toss it aside,
You are the one
who makes your mind
Whether you’ll lead
or linger behind.

Whether you’ll try
for the goal that’s afar
Or be contented
to stay where you are.
Take it or leave.
Here’s something to do,
Just think it over.
It’s all up to you!

What do you wish?
To be known as a shirk
Or known as someone
who’s willing to work,
Scorned for a loafer
or praised by your chief
Rich or poor,
beggar or thief?

Eager or earnest
or dull through the day,
Honest or crooked?
It’s you who must say!
You must decide
in the face of the test
Whether you’ll shirk it
or give your best.

Author Unknown

All men and women are born, live, suffer and die. What distinguishes us one from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about worldly or unworldly things, and what we do to make them come about. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose our historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstances of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choice-less-ness, we do choose how we live.

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