Anne Atkin-Principal - 6/11/2023

Let’s be Honest

Question from morning prayer- How does it feel when you tell a lie? “Lonely, scary, like we are separated from God, shameful, dark.” The children know how it feels because lying is developmentally normal and most, if not all, have lied about something. It is an instinct that feels like protection from our environment. But as many of us know all too well, lying is the opposite of protecting ourselves. Lying takes us to a place that is shameful and very lonely. The students also told me that they regret the lie as soon as they tell it.

So why do we lie?

·To get out of being in trouble or avoid doing something

·To gain approval

·Not understanding the consequences of using words that are not true

Who lies to you? The Devil. Who will never lie to you? God.

A lie consists in speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving. The Lord denounces lying as the work of the devil. (ccc#2482)

God does not lie to you, because he loves you. He thinks you are beautiful and he delights in you! Honesty means you give your heart to God and in return God will protect you. You do not need to turn to a sinful lie in order to feel safe. I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:5-6)

Why is the truth so important? Honesty is faith that God is always near and always in your heart. God is the answer to our trouble and our confidence and our purpose. “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Bigger questions: Who am I? Who made me? Where am I going? What is my purpose?

God will tell you the truthful answers to these questions. Let them be your guide to a beautifully honest life.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal