«Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight» (Proverbs 12:22).
INTEGRITY
George C. Parker (1870-1936) is known as one of the greatest deceivers in the history of the United States of America. He was a charismatic, cunning man who made a great fortune ripping many New York tourists off by «selling» them public buildings such as Brooklyn Bridge (which he sold twice a week for years), Madi. son Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, President Grant’s tomb and the Statue of Liberty. His ability to make stories up, falsify documents and persuade his victims was truly astounding. He lied with extraordinary ease. His criminal career caused great damage to many people who trusted in him. Parker was arrested for fraud three times. On December 17, 1928, he was condemned to a life sentence, thus he spent his last years of life in prison.
It’s very likely that Parker learned to lie when he was a boy and strengthened the bad habit in his youth. It probably all began as a game, but then got worse. He got to the point of justifying his lies and making them part of his way of life and a means to earn money. It’s true, the tricks worked sometimes. Fast, easy money and without much effort. He only had to lie. It’s interesting that George C. Parker had enough talent to become a brilliant businessman. However, he used the gifts God gave him in the wrong way and paid the price.
Lies can’t be tolerated in young people. It all begins at home with the way parents educate. «A mother who lacks discernment, and who does not follow the guidance of the Lord, may educate her children to be deceivers and hypocrites. The traits of character thus cherished may become so persistent that to lie will be as natural as to breathe. Pretense will be taken for sincerity and reality»—Child Guidance, ch. 28, p. 151.
Do you see? Friends also teach us to lie and trap us in webs of falsehood it’s hard to get out of later. But it’s always possible to escape from lies. Don’t take part in them or get used to bearing false witness. Sooner or later it will cost you very dearly.
I invite you this morning to remember that lying lips don’t please God. If you’ve lied, ask the Lord to forgive you and help you not to deceive again.
#YouthDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
