Liar, Liar

I'm not sure what possesses us to lie. Why we assume that no one will ever find out and how we arrogantly let ourselves believe that we are above reproach because our lie is so much smaller than anyone else's. Why do we even think that who we are will be so much more perfect if we only embellish a little to make the edges seem not so sharp?

I remember long ago being constantly afraid that someone was going to catch me in a lie. I don't have a clue about the things I know I must have lied about but I am sure that I did on more than a few occasions. But I do remember that I was always afraid of someone, anyone finding out that I had lied. I guess I assumed I would be in real trouble, which of course I would have been. For the most part I don't recall getting in trouble for lying, but I know I did. Even as an adult I have told
a few whoppers, but I also know that there came a time when I realized that lying was no longer the sport it was. It wasn't cool and it wasn't easy enough to make it worth the trouble.

Okay, I know I'm not much different from the average "Joe", and I do not consider myself better than anyone else, except if there are points in life for not lying. Personally I come to really dislike people who lie. On a religious level I know it is a sin. However I know that not everyone is inclined to profess a religion but there are those that are not devout in any religious persuasion who do not lie. So why is it that people can reach a certain age and they stop doing things like lying, and others can not? What is so appealing about lying that makes people continue to do it no matter what age they are and yet still expect that everyone will just simply believe every word? Or better yet, what is so un-appealing about being honest with everyone?

Typically there is no real benefit to lying. Yes, you may get ahead for a short time, but nearly all lies are eventually found out and there is no excuse, nor is there an easy way to face those you have lied to. I assume I am allowed to have this opinion because of being a past liar. It's been more than eleven years for me, and in those years I have learned a lot about the lives that are changed, the hearts that are broken and the people who are truly hurt by liars. And there is no good liar.

I currently have an individual which has been working with me that has an apparent lying problem. I am not sure what they have to cover up and I am not really sure I want to know. I suppose I would like to be able to help them understand that they don't have to lie. That they would be accepted without the embellishments. That they would be allowed to remain if they could only tell the truth, but alas it seems that they are not interested in truth, except as they assume it. But who does it really hurt?

I, on one hand will lose a little money. I don't particularly like or appreciate that, but it is actually a small price to pay considering the loss the other person will endure. It will mean the loss of a possible friendship. It will mean the loss of income for them. It will mean the expense of their reputation in the eyes of others that know us. But more importantly, what will be the true cost to that person, if they do not recognize the problem and they continue the lying pattern for years to come? I always wonder if their family realizes how bad it is or do they just not care? Or do they even know at all? But how could they not? How long will they go from place to place pointing the finger at others?

There is no reason for anyone to lie! Some will say that it is better than hurting someone else. That is so far from true. Anyone will be much more hurt in the end if they find out they have been lied to. The truth is far more easy to live with. It's easier to remember than a lie and you don't have to worry about making anything up to go with the truth. If you lie, you will have to tell another one in order to cover up the first one and it becomes a stupid, endless cycle. You will just have to believe me when I say that people really do not like liars. Not even little ones. The truth allows people to function normally in the real world. And the truth does have a way of keeping you free from guilt and shame. And remember, there is no room for liars, not in the hearts of people and not even in Heaven.