KEEP YOUR LIPS FROM DECEITS

KEEP YOUR LIPS FROM DECEITS

Text: Acts 5:1-11
Memory text:
“A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Some people argue that a long and good life is simply the work of grace and nothing more. No, there is no blessing without a responsibility.
Let’s go back to our key verse (Psa 34‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). The second requirement to enjoy a long and good life is to keep “your lips from speaking deceit.””” The word, ‘deceit’ comes from the Latin word for ‘cheat’. It is the act of intentionally misleading, tricking, or giving false impressions to someone. To speak deceitfully is to be crooked, defrauding, dishonest, double-dealing, false, and fraudulent.
Deceitful speaking is totally alien to the Christian faith, and it has its root in the old sinful nature, which is built on deception. The Christian faith is built on truth. The scripture commands us thus: “…, putting away lying, “ Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” (Eph 4:25).
We are in a generation where deceit is now a common denominator. Many leaders and followers, old and young, believers and unbelievers speak lies for free. In the past, truth was the identity of Christians in all relationships, including marital, friendship, workplace, and so forth. Honesty was seen in all business or financial transactions and in day-to-day affairs. ‘Yes’ was ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ was ‘No’ (Matt 5:37). No wonder the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira was promptly handled lest it spread.
Speaking deceits comes with divine consequences. “..and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. (Psa 55:23). This means speaking deceits will pitch you against yourself, nullifying God’s promise to fulfill the number of your years (Exo 23:26). Liars will perish, but the fear of God prolongs life (Prov 10:27; 19:9)
‭‭Aside from the spiritual consequences, deceitful speaking can have negative effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being. These cause various health and psychological issues like guilt, anxiety, low immunity, loneliness, and isolation, which have been linked to shorter lifespans. Like someone said, “Living in deception is living with poison—it corrodes the heart and mind.”
Friends, one may get short-term gains through deceit, but long-term losses will be the final take home. While a life built on truth will stand when the storm rages, a life built on lies will crumble. Keep your lips from deceit to prolong your life.

Prayer points
1. I surrender my lips to You, Lord, and I forbid it from speaking deceits, in Jesus’ name.
2. I decree that my lips be an instrument to prolong my life with good and not to shorten it, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I desire a long and happy life, so I keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceits.
2. I lay aside all deceits, and I walk in love and speak the truth at all times and everywhere.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng