FEBRUARY 21, Leviticus 19:11

Moments before the morning service began, Jane whispered in her mother’s ear. “I’m going to the nursery, okay? They need my help again.” Mom looked concerned but nodded.

Jane enjoyed playing with the babies, and time passed quickly. After the service, she was surprised to see her mother at the nursery door. The supervisor went to greet her, and while Jane continued picking up toys, she heard Mrs. Lim say, “We appreciate your daughter’s help.”

“She likes to help,” replied Mom, “but she has missed a lot of services lately.” Mrs. Lim and Mom talked quietly as Mom waited for Jane to finish her work. Then Jane and Mom left together. “Jane,” said Mom as they walked down the hall, “you led me to believe that Mrs. Lim asked you to help in the nursery today. She says she didn’t, neither today nor last week.”

“Actually, I just said they needed my help,” Jane defended herself, “and they did. We all were really busy.” Jane knew her argument was weak.

Mother said, “You tricked me into believing something untrue so you could do what you wanted. Is that honest, or would you say it’s some kind of lie?”

“I… I’m sorry,” mumbled Jane.

“Helping others is part of serving the Lord,” Mom added, “but learning is important, too, and I think today’s sermon was one you needed to hear. It was on honesty. I’ll tell you about it on the drive home.”

Thought: Have you deceived someone or have you been deceived, tricked into believing something untrue? Lies take many forms. When you twist your words to make them sound like you are saying something you are not, it is a kind of lie, and it is sin.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times when I have twisted the truth and used some form of lying. Cleanse me and remind me not to lie in any manner. I know I need Your help in this, and I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.