Strong Cross Ministries recently hosted five ladies from a local church in Strasburg, Colorado. In preparation for their trip to South Africa, they designed a children’s program centered around the importance of telling the truth. I thought it would be fun to call their series of lessons Liar, Liar Pants on Fire.
It is extremely important as Christian women that we are known for being truthful. Not bearing false witness or telling lies is one of the Ten Commandments. “The bearing of false testimony is strictly prohibited by God, no matter how innovative we become! Any understanding of what God was saying to His children is greatly enhanced by a clear understanding of what it means to tell a lie. Bearing false testimony also carries with it the basic idea of fabrication, which, simply put, means to make something up. Exaggeration fits right in with God’s prohibition because any effort to stretch the truth is, in and of itself, a fabrication. When God said, ‘You shall not bear false witness’ (Exodus 20:16), He was definitively pointing to the heart of man. Not even a person’s creativity with the truth is acceptable to God.” (Don Witon, published by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Recently, I came across an article posted by a Christian friend that didn’t ring true with me. The article was quoting a well-known pastor. When I went back to the original information, where the quote came from, it was obvious that the pastor’s words had been taken out of context.
Also, while doing some research online, I came across a headline that interested me. When I opened the YouTube video, it was apparent that the headline and corresponding comments were an effort to stretch the truth.
I like embellishments. I like jewelry, embroidery, nail polish, beads, pearls, and the like. As part of a sermon recently, I recounted a story, but embellished the story to prove my point. I think my pants are on fire.
I don’t want to be that kind of leader or teacher. I am convinced and convicted that truth telling is a principle that Christian women must adhere to and model for those we serve.
Tonya Jewel Blessing
Author, Conference Speaker,
Ministry Director
Most of Tonya’s adult life has been spent in full time ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries.
Tonya and her husband, Chris, recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. The couple currently lives in South Africa. They are the founders and directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a U.S. non-profit organization that has been in existence for 20 plus years. Strong Cross operates as a support system for churches, ministries, and schools. The organization also sponsors feeding programs for children, the elderly, and disabled; provides educational and medical assistance; works with local leaders in the Limpopo region; and hosts numerous faith based events for South Africans.
Tonya is a well-known speaker on women’s issues and leadership principles. She is the author of the Appalachian books The Whispering of the Willows and The Melody of the Mulberries, and co-author of the devotional Soothing Rain. The books are available on Amazon.
