God sees through the lies of your disguise. Lies, regardless of their size, are deceptive. Deception deploys darkness and destroys our ability to discern and walk in truth.

As Christ-followers we need to be careful that we don’t deny the truth about ourselves and our behaviors, but rather embrace it and humbly cry out like Paul, “O wretched man that I am.” Attempting to spin the truth about ourselves in order to appear meritorious kills our ability to humbly surrender to and live in God’s grace. (Instead of my spin, my one plea should be that Christ’s blood was shed for me.)

Peter lied and denied Jesus three times. Then he wept. He didn’t deceive and manipulate to cover up the truth of his sin of lying. He didn’t try to justify or minimize his lying. The humiliating truth about Peter denying Jesus was part of his reputation and is still known to the entire body of Christ.

Because Peter repented and walked in the light of humility, brokenness, and honesty, the gift of the word of knowledge was able to work in him and reveal to him the lie of Ananias and Sapphira. When confronted with the truth they didn’t weep and admit their joint lie. Instead, they held on to it and it took them to their graves.

Even the smallest lie is a Spirit-quencher that causes a breech between us and God’s life-giving light. Dare to ask God to remind you of your lies (big and small) and when He brings them to your mind, quickly admit them, weep with sorrow, and receive God’s undeserved forgiveness, healing, and restoration. If you’ve lied to another person (or spined the truth in your favor) be courageous and humbly approach them. Tell them the whole truth and ask for their forgiveness. Then the death-grip of your guilty lies will be washed away by the rejuvenating Spirit of God.