Look carefully because most people, like an island, only show what’s above the waterline.
Luke 8:16-18
Is a half-truth a lie?
Have you ever talked to someone and felt like you’re getting only about half the story?
Of course, you have – we all have.
And usually, our gut feeling is correct.
We’re being played – taken for a fool.
Why?
Is it that the person telling us doesn’t trust us with the whole truth?
Yes, that could be it, but it could also be that the person is ashamed of the other half and doesn’t want it known. Whatever the reason, it usually boils down to that person selfishly trying to protect themselves from their own guilt or embarrassment, or the wrath of others.
So, back to the question… Is a half-truth a lie?
If you’re the one getting half, you probably think so. If you’re the one giving half, probably not.
Regardless, no one likes getting lied to.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a bold-faced lie or one of those little white ones – a lie is an affront to a relationship.
Marriages have ended because of them. Families have been ripped apart because of them. Friendships have ended because of them.
The Tiny Words. Big Life. quote-of-the-day is not necessarily about lies – although hiding something from someone is a borderline lie.
Let’s call it deceit instead.
That makes it sounds a little less edgy… but it doesn’t change what it is.
On the other hand, God hides nothing from us. We have it all. It’s given to us freely, openly, and fully.
Today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. Bible verses appear in Luke immediately after Jesus has told a group of people the parable of the sower and the seeds. In the parable, the seeds are the word of God and the ground upon which the seed lands is our hearts. The crop that grows are the fruit of our spiritual walk with God.
Jesus is very clearly telling us that it’s important the we listen intently and live our lives based on the word.
For some that hear the word, the ground will be rocky, which will not allow the roots to grow. Others, the ground will be full of thorns, such as life’s worries, riches and pleasures, which will choke out the fruit of the seeds. But for some, the seed will fall on good soil, which stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
In verses 16-18, Jesus tells us how we should respond.
He says that we should put the light of His love, the very being of our relationship with Him, out for all to see. When we do that, we will be given more.
What does Jesus mean when he says we will be given more? More what?
The answer is everything…
In verses 16-18, Luke tells us what Jesus said. “Nothing will be hidden.“
In other words, the fullness of God’s love, grace, and mercy will be given to those who hear the word and are obedient to it. The fruit of our faith will be greater – not necessarily in things of value as we normally think of blessings but rather in the glory we show to God in how our own spiritual lamp shines.
We should never live our lives in a half-truth relationship with God.
The Tiny Words. Big Life. takeaway is this: Pray to be a better listener and recipient of the word. Pray to remove all distractions and be fully engaged with every letter of every word in the Bible. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit and allow God to use the light of your lamp to bring others to Christ.
And the next time someone tells you a half-truth, use that opportunity to let your light shine. Tell them the parable about the sower and the seeds… tell them about your light and where it comes from… tell them that you don’t need the rest of the story because you have all you need.
After all, Jesus said, “Nothing will be hidden.“
Then, get ready because the other half is coming.
Luke 8:16-18
16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”