It is too easy to allow and commit deceit. As a human in this world, I want to ensure that I am not harmed. Sometimes telling a “little white lie” will aid in that avoidance. That cannot be a bad thing, can it.
“22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” — 1 Peter 1:22 (ESV)
Yes it can. It is not a good idea to exhibit any deceit at all. Christ did not deceive even when he was being led to His death in a sham for a trial and conviction. He could have said and done anything to keep Himself from harm yet He maintained the truth even to His own death on the cross.
“21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” — 1 Peter 1:21 & 23 (ESV)
Christ was run through it all and suffered mightily for something that I did, yet He remained true. He provide that truth living as an example for me that I might find strength in remaining true.
I have, as I have noted before, created a “Mission and Values” to live by. The first of my values is to “Be the Example: Demonstrate what right looks like in any and all situations. Following the example provided by Christ Jesus.” His example is on full display for me to demonstrate in the verses above. I have to remember that deceit is not the answer to making it through. I have to be true in all to live as the example. I have to not have deceit in my repertoire. I have to be true to not only myself but to those around me so as not to cause another to stumble in their walk with Christ or at all.
What has gone on in your life that may have led you to deceit? Was the long term result a picture of the example of Christ? What if you removed deceit from your actions and lived a life as an example of Christ Jesus?
Trevor's Thoughts 