In this society, truthfulness is largely relative, isn’t it? Some people define truth as doing or saying as much as you can get away with. To them, little white lies are always optional.

Yet God’s standard of truthfulness is far higher. His Word tells us “You shall not steal… You shall not give false testimony… You shall not covet…” from the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. The Lord demands moral excellence, but because we all have a sin nature, living a truthful life never comes easily.

The apostle Paul knew the dilemma: “For I have the desire to do what is good,” he tells the Romans, “but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing” Romans 7:18-19 (NIV).

Living with truthfulness has great benefit to you. Consider these passages:

• “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17). 
• “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). 
• “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner” (Proverbs 13:6). 

How can you ensure you act and speak truthfully? Commit to do this One Thing: tell yourself the truth. You can accomplish that by:

1. Diligently reading and studying God’s Word, and  
2. Seeking His counsel in prayer.  

Let God’s standard be your only guide and guard, and focus on the truth to get your mind and emotions where they need to be.

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How have you been encouraged by the truth in God’s Word? We’d love to hear from you. Post your comments below.