One of my favorite children’s stories is Aesop’s “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” The main character is a bored little boy who lied to pass the time. And he told a good one, over and over – he cried wolf when the wolf was nowhere to be found. After a few good laughs and reprimands, the wolf really appeared, but no one believed the boy. The story ends with a powerful lesson: “Nobody believes a liar … even when he is telling the truth!”
No matter the context, lying is wrong. That’s the lesson Peter learned in today’s text. Peter had a golden opportunity to “put his money where his mouth was,” for he told JESUS, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” (Mark 14:31, New Living Translation). But a tough audience and endless temptations gave way to a serious infraction. Peter lied, and later, he regretted it.
Lying is a habit we should avoid, for it’s the expressway to the devil’s address. No wonder the Bible notes, “… all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur” (Revelation 21:8, New Living Translation). So don’t lie, it’s not worth it!
Speak the truth, in love …