Stretching The Truth

Stretching the Truth

Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth.

Ephesians 4:25

Hawaii! An island paradise. Vacation heaven. Kissed by the sun and blessed with fresh fruit, glorious beaches, swaying palm trees, and warm, delightful weather. People flock there from around the world to enjoy the many pleasures available on these wonderful islands. Who wouldn’t want to go there?

When Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States, it was his job to appoint commissioners of the government to various parts of the world to serve the United States. And, as you might imagine, one of the most eagerly sought-after appointments in all the government was the commissionership of Hawaii, then called the Sandwich Islands.

The story is told that one day a delegation appeared before President Lincoln in Washington, DC, to ask him to appoint a certain gentleman to that position. They said the candidate, in addition to being eminently qualified for the post, was also in poor health. Therefore, he would greatly benefit from the balmy Hawaiian climate.

Lincoln is said to have listened quietly and patiently while the delegation droned on and on about the fellow they were promoting. Finally, when they ran out of expressions of praise, the president smiled politely. Then he said, “Gentlemen, I am sorry to say that there are eight other applicants for the post in Hawaii, and they are all sicker than your man.”

Sometimes it’s hard in this world ruled by Satan, the father of lies, to determine who is telling the biggest lie, isn’t it? Stretching the truth has become a way of life for many people today. As Christians, we need to stick to the truth. And that’s all there is to say about that!

O Lord, sometimes it’s tempting to embellish the truth or even to tell an outright lie, but please help me always to be truthful, no matter what I think the consequences will be. I would rather be right with you than in good favor with people. Let me be a beacon of your truth in my little corner of the world. Amen.