Tell the Truth Always -- Avoid Telling "White Lies"

The key to making this world a better place is for everyone to seek to always do the right thing. I believe this includes seeking to always be truthful -- in a loving way.

Is lying always wrong? Yes, I think so.

Don't Lie to Children

When I was a child, my mom told me about the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus. I had doubts about their existence even at a very young age. But I resisted questioning my beliefs because mom's words to me indicated a correlation between lack of faith and not receiving certain gifts. This created a form of dishonesty in a sense for a period. I was happy when the Easter baskets and Christmas gifts continued long after my beliefs in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus ended!

I think it would be better for children to be told the truth. Parents can still leave coins under the pillows of children who lose teeth, provide kids Easter baskets, and give gifts to their sons and daughters at Christmas. But don't lie about the source of the gifts.

It is wrong to set a precedent for lying. For example, instead of telling lies about Santa Claus, moms and dads can read to their children about the possibly true story regarding the Bishop of Myra, who came to be called Saint Nicholas and reportedly helped children. Kids and adults can also enjoy the fictional tales about Santa Claus - while acknowledging they are fiction. If persons ask me if I believe in Santa Claus, I can honestly reply no, but that I do believe in Saint Nicholas.

How to Be Truthful

Being truthful doesn't mean always telling everyone everything. There are some things better left unspoken. On such topics, one can simply say, "I think it is better not to answer that," or "I promised not to say," or something similar. Be truthful. If one is polite and persistent, respect will be earned from many for this. I have found this to be true personally.

Are "white lies" ever acceptable? No, I don't think so. Being truthful in a loving way is always superior to telling a so-called white lie in my view. Often people recognize the lie or learn about it later, anyway.

But a brief truthful answer frequently is better than a lengthy, detailed one. Young children need less information about some subjects than older children do. Close friends or relatives may need more details about some personal matters than casual acquaintances.

Lying by the Government and the Religious is Unacceptable

Certain actions of the CIA, NSA, and the United States military forces may need to be kept secret. But even those organizations, in my humble opinion, often misuse secrecy as an excuse to cover up abuses and mistakes. Accountability of some type needs to accompany secrecy. As basically a pacifist, I support more openness and humanitarian aid, instead of secretive military operations.

Even intelligence agencies ought not tell lies in my opinion. They can refuse to answer questions, but so-called "white lies" by anyone are still lies and unnecessary.

Lying is even against the teachings of many religions. Christians, Muslims, Jews, and followers of many other religions are supposed to obey God. Being truthful in a loving way is a major part of that obedience. For example, Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:15 urging Christians to be ". . . speaking the truth in love . . ." (King James Version).*

Indeed, if all followers of all faiths sought to be truthful and to seek the truth, maybe one day the divisiveness due to religious conflict would end. After all, when contradictions between faiths exist, only one at most can be right.

Am I Always Truthful?

Do I always tell the truth? No. In fact perhaps no one is ever 100% truthful. Being truthful always is very difficult.

But I do try very hard to be truthful and have since I was a child. And the times I have not been truthful seem to have frequently caused negative consequences. Therefore, I intend to try even harder to be 100% truthful in the future. I urge others to as well.

Source/Reference:

* Apostle Paul; Ephesians 4:15 in part; The Holy Bible, King James Version; 1611