Our lies always hurt others

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

On February 16, 'Joe Morales' won the 2020 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon with a time of three hours. But it was soon discovered that 'Joe Morales' was actually 'Ken' who made up the name upon being interviewed following his first place finish. Ken later posted the following on his Facebook page, "Ran my first marathon, and ended up getting 1st place the day after my 32nd birthday…..the bib is in another name since I didn’t register. I may or may not get in trouble for this idk." Ken later said that the registered owner of the bib who was not even named ‘Joe’ couldn’t run the race and that he couldn’t pay for it, so the person registered just gave it to him. "I DIDN’T KNOW HOW SERIOUS THIS WOULD GET…SORRY IF I MADE A MESS OF THIS."

And you now, there's a reason the Lord hates, among other things, "a lying tongue”. It's because deceit always hurts someone else. I mean, consider the second place finisher who rightfully should have broken the tape and gone on to celebrate the win to the cheers of the audience but couldn’t. Consider the reputation of racing that has yet another tarnish mark on it. And consider everyone else involved that had to make adjustments to timing and correct age group awards. Face it. The Lord absolutely detests lying because it is so hurtful to so many. 

And you know, even though the Lord absolutely hates deceit, there is still hope for deceivers - and every other sinner for that matter if they will simply turn to the Lord, confess their sins and ask for forgiveness. They may have to suffer the consequences the world imposes, as Ken and the person who gave their bib to him will (both were issued a permanent ban from ever entering the race), but they can be free from the consequence of death that sin brings. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that deceit is such a harmful action. Help us to remember that when we lie, we not only can tarnish our own reputation but Yours as well. Help us to be honest at all times Lord. And thank You for the mercy and forgiveness You extend when we inevitably mess up.  It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

His mercy is more - Matt Papa