“7No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” — Psalm 101:7 (ESV)
What a statement by David as to those that are in your life. I was reminded of what Ghandi said: “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet”. I know, quoting Ghandi with David may not work in your way of thinking, but what I am referring to here is the idea that I will not allow myself to associate with those that will corrupt or be bad for me and my circle.
I remember many years ago when my boys were young and we would sit down and play games with them. Being competitive, the boys would certainly work hard to win, so much so that one of them would not exactly play by the rules (cheater, cheater). When it was found out that he was cheating, we would stop playing and explain to him that cheating would not be tolerated and that we would not play with cheaters. David is referencing the same here. He is stating that when found out, deceit will not be tolerated, and all will cease with that individual or group based solely on the inability to be truthful.
Call it what you will and defend it if that is what you would like to do, however, I will not actively associate with those that practice deceit, when I find it out. Honesty is the best policy and where there may be consequences to that approach (some do not like it and one may call themselves out for something done or not done), ultimately one is able to sleep well at night and it is over and done. I personally have done some things to which I was questioned. When asked if I had done what I was accused, I simply said, “yes, and the reason I did is…”. To which the questioner asked, “your not going to deny it” as if in shock that would not try to make an excuse. Well the incidents were resolved at that moment with a statement of, “well, be more careful in the future”.
Speaking the truth leads to resolution. When we find ourselves deceiving others, we have to “keep up the lies” indefinitely so as not to be found out. And that leads to a lifestyle of deceit that is sorely frowned upon. By keeping not engaging in deceit, I demonstrate that it is not tolerated and therefore have the leg to stand on when not allowing deceit to be around me. It leads me to the reality of, do as I say and do. I will not allow known deceit in my world.
What deceit are you aware of in your life? Are you taking the approach to weed it out of your life or are you allowing it to stay? What if you took on the approach of do as I say and do, and not allowing deceit in your world?
Trevor's Thoughts 