Lying to people begins with lies to ourselves. We might call it rationalizing (rational-lying).
I deserve this. What harm can it do? I’m not going to get caught/addicted/hurt. They made me do this. Everyone is doing this.
Many lies to ourselves and ultimately others have to do with legitimate unmet needs or desires. When time goes on without a sense of getting what we want, our heart begins to seek a way to fulfill it. Often we go to a substitute, something that looks like the real thing but is not.
Whatever you yield to has you.
Are you yielding to yourself and what you want? Are you yielding to people’s demands? Are you yielding to habits that make you weak?
In Proverbs 30: 7 – 9 you’ll find simple advice that makes a good prayer:
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Listen for lies you are telling. Spend time alone with God, where it is safe, and look at them. Let him show you what’s at the root of your lies. Surrender whatever it is to him. Yield only to Christ, never to your natural inclinations.