I'm a liar. and you probably are too.

So many times I don't stop and think before I speak.  How flippant am I when it comes to the words that pour from my mouth?! Whether they be encouraging or insulting, I don't take much time to stop and think before speaking. 

I've been catching up on my Revive Our Hearts podcasts while I work on my current house project (yay, for getting closer to having kitchen cabinet doors again!).  So many of her recent topics have hit home with losing Chi in the last year which I will probably write about at a later date.  Then came this series: "The Power of Words." Nothing like a message on the tongue to humble yourself.  The host went on to explain ten different ways of deceiving others with our words.  I'm ashamed to admit that I'm guilty of each and every one.  However, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is usually quick to show me when I've been in the wrong in this area.  That's one step toward spiritual maturity, but not acting on it and not necessarily admitting my fault and correcting my actions just goes to show how far I am from "arriving" in this area. 

I am including a quick overview of her list.  Click here for a more detailed list including bible references to support each point.  Check yourself.  Are you guilty in any of these areas?

1. Exaggeration.
• Am I overstating the truth by using words like “always” and “never?”
• Do I make sweeping generalizations about people or situations?
• Do I embellish details to make a story more humorous or interesting?

2. Flattery.
• Do I give insincere praise?
• Do I compliment another to enhance my own reputation in his or her eyes?

3. Lying.
• Am I slandering someone—spreading false reports with the intent to inflict hurt?
• Am I answering direct questions with untruths in order to protect my reputation?

4. Misleading.
• Do I leave a false impression (even though my spoken words may be true)?
• Do I communicate facts selectively to influence others for my own purposes?

5. Inaccuracy.
• Do I fail to verify the facts before repeating a story?
• Am I careless with regard to factual details of stories?

6. Deception.
• Am I allowing people to say things that are untrue about another person while
implying consent by my silence?
• Do I give the impression that I am more spiritually mature and committed than is
actually true?

7. Hypocrisy.
• Do I speak kindly to another while harboring hatred or bitterness in my heart?
• Do I praise another to his face while criticizing him behind his back?

8. Inconsistency.
• Am I flip-flopping on issues, depending on my “audience?”
• Do I put a different spin on matters, depending on who I am talking to?

9. Guile.
• Am I maintaining hidden agendas and ulterior motives when dealing with people?
• Do I look for loopholes in a contract, rather than honoring the intent and spirit of
the agreement?

10. Broken Promises.
• Do I promise to pray for someone and then neglect to do so?
• Do I agree to be somewhere at a certain time or to meet a need, but fail to do
so?

Man, now that I've gone back through and looked at that list in writing, I'm even more aware of how easy it is to dishonor God with the careless, flippant use of my tongue. Thankfully, Christ has paid the price for each and every time I have sinned in this area and the Holy Spirit is diligently working within me to show me my faults and give me the strength to pursue godliness and truth.  Needless to say, the Holy Spirit definitely has a lot of work to do with me.