The Big(foot) Lie
For those of you who have been dreading that picnic near the woods, relax. Bigfoot isn't real after all.
For those of you who have been dreading that picnic near the woods, relax. Bigfoot isn't real after all. So says a retired Pepsi bottler from Yakima, Washington, who recently revealed that he donned a big gorilla costume for a friend who rolled the film, and together they fueled the Bigfoot craze.
"It's time people knew it was a hoax," this guy named Bob tells the Washington Post, "It's time to let this thing go. I've been burdened with this for 36 years … It's time to finally let people know the truth."
Thanks, Bigfoot, I mean, Bob. We're so relieved. But you do teach us something about lies and deception. When we lie, we not only hurt others. We hurt ourselves. Oh, we may burst with sheer delight when we initially land a lie successfully and it works. And when that happens we usually end up trying it again. And again. Or at least we continue living the lie we told in the first place, like Bob. But sooner or later it will hurt us – either when someone finds out or when we can't live with ourselves anymore or both. Just ask Judas.
No wonder the proverb says, "The one who pours out lies will not go free" (Proverbs 19:5). Lying doesn't free you, rescue you, or empower you. It burdens you, shackles you with guilt, and weakens your integrity. It is a sin, even the white kind.
Then there's Jesus. He never lied. He never concocted some kind of story and then, during a political campaign of some kind it was dug up to haunt him. Jesus had plenty of opportunities to say, "Uh, hey, I, um, was just kidding about that going-to-Jerusalem-to-die story." When Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews," no doubt the thought entered his weak and weary mind to just say, "Actually, I'm not. I lied. It's been burdening me now for 30 years and I'm not really the guy you want to crucify."
The Bible says, "It is impossible for God to lie," (Hebrews 6:18). Remember that the next time you need to depend on one of those out-of-this-world promises God has given you and it seems like it'll never come true. Remember that when your sinful flesh tries to trick you into thinking that God isn't as good as he says. Remember that when the devil accuses you of sins you have been told are forgiven forever.
It's nice to hear that Bigfoot Bob has now confessed the real truth. Then again, he could be lying just to sell a good book. We may never know. Better be careful where you picnic anyway. And put your trust in someone who can't lie. Ever.
PRAYER: You, O Lord, are perfect when it comes to making your promises. And keeping them. I find it so difficult sometimes to believe your Word even though I know anything else I depend on is like shifting sand. So remember my weakness, I pray, and help me in my little faith. Teach me to trust, to take your hand when you lead me where I don't want to go, to change my mind when I have only considered one option, to lean on your grace. Amen.