Today’s Reading, Psalms 108-110
Focal Scripture: Psalms 109:2 “For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.”
Sometimes you have to be honest when people are not honest in your life and tell lies about you and your character. Over the last few years, I have been advised by a few people that it is not appropriate to tell the details or correct other people who talk negatively about you and your situation. Especially if being honest causes the local church to be cast in a negative light. In one sense, I understand that thinking. For unbelievers to know that the church is not always doing things right can cause a variety of problems. My argument is that not addressing those who tell lies is more harmful than admitting the fact that the church needs correction.
In today’s reading, the psalmist goes into very specific details on how he wants the wicked and liars in his life to be judged. David wants these liars to be judged harshly and severely. He wants creditors to take what belongs to them from these evildoers. He longs for the liars’ descendants to be cut off and their name destroyed. David wants these people to be destroyed and cut off from the Earth. David is seeking biblical vengeance. David doesn’t hide the sin that was committed against him or his desire for the people to be held accountable.
I understand that feeling from David. I have actually experienced that over the last two years. It has been my prayer that the evil actions and conversations I witnessed will be exposed. That the people who have told lies about my resignation would be held to account. People whom I thought had character would be exposed for hiding clear sin. Recently, someone told me I need to move beyond my experience and not let it fester. I completely agree with that statement. What I don’t agree with is allowing evil and sin to go unchecked and ignored.
So, how do I handle those who have lied against me in my life? I tell the truth and explain to others that God will deal with those who lie, strongly and swiftly. I now answer questions directly and pull no punches. Why? Because evil doers must be held accountable. It is not out of vindictiveness but transparency. That is what David is doing in this Psalm.
My point behind today’s devotion is to encourage you to name the sin and to hold those who lie against you responsible. It is unhealthy to dwell on it every day. However, it is healthy to call out those who do wrong. The church needs more transparency, and that only happens when sin is called out.
It is not easy, and you will be labeled a troublemaker, but it is worth it in the long run. The church is worth fighting for, and that only happens when those who do wrong are exposed. Purposeful liars have no place in the church setting. People are watching, and they desire truth and justice.
The only way that happens is to hold people accountable. David prayed for justice and accountability; we should do the same.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 23-25
