Truth and Lies
In America we have begun to devalue the truth. Lies and deceptions are accepted more. It seems as if our country is starting to become one where we do not want to accept the truth if it is not what we believe it to be.
When we stray from truth nothing good ever happens. When we lie then we must choose what avenue to take. We can either go down the path of correcting the lie or let the lie stand and do nothing about it.
When we allow others to lie and accept it without making them face consequences then we are enabling them to tell more lies. Hopefully, they will come clean, tell the truth, and not do it again. Unfortunately, often they do not for fear of facing the consequences of lying. Shame is something none of us want to feel.
Of course, the best thing to do is always tell the truth. But humans are fallible. All fall short of the mark.
Those who are conscious know right away when we have spoken mistruth. It affects us right away. We know that we have done wrong. We know when we have deceived. When we have been taught right from wrong the wrong gnaws at our conscious at once. So, the first thing to do when we lie is admit to it.
If we choose the path of admittance, ask for forgiveness and work to atone for the lie it makes our lives much easier. Though we feel bad and may suffer a little shame, the burden is lifted from our shoulders. We are given a chance to make things right. And hopefully we regain the trust of those we lied to.
When we do not admit the lie then we must live with the burden of it. We live every day hoping that the lie is never exposed. We fear what will happen when and if it is. And if the truth is revealed we feel much worse than if we had simply admitted it ourselves.
When we allow others to lie it hurts all of us. If those lies are accepted as the truth it is even worse. Especially when they come from those in leadership positions as we trust that they have our best interests in mind.
And liking someone does not give them the right to lie. If we are going to hold those that we do not like accountable for lying, then we must hold all accountable. Along the way we must admit that one lie is not worse than another. Every lie is a bad one.
So, when others lie whether they are friends or foe we must guide them towards telling the truth. It is the only way.
Truth matters. We cannot afford to let it be devalued. For it hurts all of us.
Of course, the easiest way to value truth is by simply telling and abiding by it.