Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25
My hubby always says, “Thank God you can’t lie. It’s something I don’t have to worry about.” He really does mean it, although he gets a kick out of watching me try to get one over on him. It’s pretty much impossible. I can’t look him in the eye, keep a straight face, or not giggle as I try to tell him a story. Even if he starts to fall for it, I have to confess in less than a minute…I can’t help it!
The character trait for today is Truthfulness-earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (definition from characterfirst.com).
This is one of my all time favorite character traits. I think relationships can thrive on truthfulness and fail for a lack of it. As a family, I think it’s important to be open and honest at all times. When we do this, we never have to question what we’re being told by one another. It allows us to have each other’s back without question. When there’s a solid foundation of trust, nobody will even be able to make a dent in it. It’s the best way to keep a family in tact and healthy.
Our number one family rule is to tell us the truth. Stephen Covey said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” This is what our first family rule looks like:
1. Tell the truth.
-When you tell us something, we can believe it if you stay honest. We can also count on you not to leave out important information that you know we’d like to know. We expect you to tell us the truth even if it may get you into a bit of trouble. Admit when you are wrong.
Each and every person deserves to be told the truth. It can take quite a bit to earn someone’s trust, but it can be taken away in a snap by being dishonest. Show your character today by speaking truthfully. There’s no such thing as “a little white lie” in my opinion. There isn’t a difference between a fib and a lie either; deception is used in both, and they crumble those walls that you want glued tight.
Remember that the first time a lie is told, it feels really uncomfortable and the guilt is strong. The second time, it isn’t quite so bad. It slowly seems to be ok to do, and you’ll actually start to believe your own lies! Also, be very careful in the presence of those who lie. It can seem not so bad when you get used to hearing untruthfulness happening around you.
Mark Twain said, “Always tell the truth. That way you don’t have to remember what you said.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to waste brain space!
Keep this quote in the front of your thoughts today: “The truth doesn’t cost anything, but a lie could cost you EVERYTHING.” -Unknown
