SOMETHING NEW THAT IS OLD

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LIES, PIES AND TIES

For several years during Lent, I “gave up” something. I do not think of it as giving up something for Lent, but rather giving up something. Whatever I decide to give up, usually gives way to a lifestyle change. I gave up chocolate one Lent and and since then, I have severely cut back on my consumption of M&M’s and Hershey's chocolate bars. In another case, I gave up sweets and have cut back on my consumption of candies and use of sugar/sweeteners. During these times of Lent, I allow myself room to err. If I fall off the track, I summon my discipline to get me back on line.

So what does this have to do with “lies and pies and ties”? This year I couldn’t decide what to give up. I wanted it to be like the other years – where whatever I gave up, will become a lifestyle change. Three days into Lent, I figured out what to give up. It’s called lying. Now before you go asking what did he lie to me about, ask what was the last lie you told (me), and when.

In my opinion, a lie is an intentional act to deceive.  I pay no attention to the degree of a lie (a little lie vs a big lie  etc.) – it is still lying. To not lie is hard. Think about it. Have you ever told someone that you were “feeling OK”, when you were not? Have you ever distorted the truth because candor would or may cause hurt? Have you ever pretended you were having a good time so as not to appear ungrateful? Have you ever answered the phone and taken a message for yourself (so the caller wouldn’t know they are talking to you)? If you said yes to any of this or anything similar, then you have told lies. I have.

Now, what about the pie? Here it is. I am going to approach this effort as if I am eating my favorite pie. I actually don’t care for pie (the truth), but since “pies” rhymes with “lies”, I’ll pretend (lie?) that I am eating a pie. The pie is sitting there. I cut off a little piece and eat it. It tastes delicious, so I cut off a little piece more, and a little piece more and a little piece more. Eventually, and in most case sooner than I plan, the entire pie is gone. Then I stare at the now empty space and say, “I never realized how much of the pie I was eating”.

Now to tie it all together. Each day, as dictated by occurrences, I will take a piece of the pie of lie and “give it up”. This will require that I act intentionally and deliberately, hence holding myself accountable. I am not sure how long it will take for the pie to disappear, or even if it can disappear. However, what I do know is this: the same discipline with which I eat the pie, is the same discipline I will use to get rid of this pie of lie – one slice at a time.

I pray I am not lying to myself about this. Lol

Proverbs 6: 16-17…these six things the LORD hates; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue…

Proverbs 12:19…The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.