The Good and Beautiful Life: Learning to Live Without Lying (4.7.19)

“Let your yes be yes. Let your no be no.” Matthew 5:37 Listen here as Chris DeBlaay helps us learn what that looks like in our lives.

Questions for Discussion (chapter 6)

James Bryan Smith gives an insightful list of lies we often tell:
- Yes, I have read that book (or seen that movie).
- Yes, let’s definitely get together soon.
- He’s in a meeting.
- She’s not home.
- No, that outfit doesn’t make you look fat.
- Add to this list by brainstorming lies we tell that seem harmless.
Read the first 5 paragraphs from the section titled “How Living in the Kingdom Can Cure Lying” on pages 112-13. Note the ways the kingdom of God sets us free from lying. Discuss how your experiences of God’s kingdom have reduced lying in your life.
Read Colossians 3:9-10. In this passage, Paul refers to the “new self,” which can be seen as indwell by Christ and as residing in God’s kingdom. The “old self,” which Paul invites us to take off, is isolated from God and God’s resources. As we put on the new self, lying is less necessary and less attractive because of who we are and where we are. What soul-training exercises (spiritual practices) have helped you to take off your “old self” and put on the “new self” that Paul speaks of?