Can You Spot the Liar?

It’s infuriating when you get lied to. Take for example, the recent story of Jussie Smollett, who allegedly staged his own attack to advance his acting career. The uproar is in the deception. Writing this, I realize that lying is common practice to get ahead in the world. But I think what gets people is if you take them along for your ride, deceiving them and in the end duping them. No one wants to be played the fool. And no one has the patience to watch you dupe others. That’s what particularly irks me - knowing someone is lying, and watching others buy into it. 

Calling out the liar is tricky. I can think of instances both in the workplace and in ministry when I’ve had to hold my tongue and wait for proper justice. And in the meantime being reminded that I need to watch my own life and conduct. It’s a delicate balance to hold these in tension - longing for the justice of the wicked, while ourselves committing to living rightly.