Seeds of Promise Series by Shenica Graham

Maximizing Ministry Part X.IX – The Ninth Commandment

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INTRODUCTION

A false witness is a lie. To bear a false witness is not only to falsely accuse, but also to bear the weight of having done so. Liars have a special place in eternity if they do not repent (Revelation 21:8). Lying robs us of freedom that is only perpetuated by truth (John 8:32). Though it may seem with a lie that you can “get out of trouble,” there is no lie that can stand before God. He knows past and future. You may be able to fool some people, but there is no fooling God.

When we falsely bear witness, we link our lives to something that is not true. These links defraud our royal heritage (I Peter 2:9), disconnecting us from the family of God and instead placing us into the lineage of the evil one (John 8:44). When we rather speak and live the truth, we walk in the way of Christ (John 14:16), which is grace and truth that reaches beyond this law given through Moses (John 1:17).

The Ninth Commandment

Scripture Basis – Exodus 20:16 “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Sometimes the truth hurts and that becomes the false justification for a lie. Remember that truth is the only real way to freedom. If we want to live to God’s standard, we will have to tell the truth even when it hurts.

Hold Your Peace. Have you ever been told, “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all”? A lie is one of those nothing good statements. Be mindful because without proper discipline, a lie may be the first thing that comes to your mind when you need to respond to something that catches you off guard. You don’t want to just blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind. If it is situation where silence would not be worse, it is better to say nothing at all.

Know The Truth. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can read the Bible for yourself (II Timothy 2:15). I cannot count how many times a scripture has been quoted to me, only to find that a word was mispronounced or omitted, changing the meaning of the entire verse. Do not follow blindly the words of any person – not even mine. Look it up.

Speak The Truth. When you know the truth, it is important not to contradict that knowledge with words opposite to the truth. The words you speak are the prophetic power of your existence. You can speak your way through trials in your life. Do you stand on the promises of God? Let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Psalm 107:2). Claim the truth of God by your speaking in tandem with His Word. Use daily affirmations to shape your thought process and keep you away from stinking thinking (negativity).

Do The Truth. When you know and speak the truth, your actions should  manifest that knowledge of which you speak. It would not do much good to act out the opposite of what you know and speak to be true. Doing so will confuse your heart and corrupt your behavior. When we do not do the truth, we live a lie. It may seem easy to be hypocritical; but the truth is, the more know and speak the truth, the more your entire being will cringe when you attempt to do the opposite. Do not cause yourself to malfunction from mixed controls. Do the truth and confirm yourself in the faith.

Share The Truth. However you came into the knowledge of the truth, there are others still sharing darkness. Someone needs to hear your testimony. You can do the world some good by reaching out and helping others to understand the Word, grow in faith, and live an overcoming life (1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4). Remember that loving-kindness draws heart from afar off (Jeremiah 31:3). Do you have any regrets? Love also covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Sharing the truth in love may be just what the doctor ordered to redeem your life and the lives of others.

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