Dateline: Truth and Consequences

My husband and I love to watch Dateline. We love to hear the evidence, the alleged motivation, and the defense. A few years ago my former boss appeared on the show to talk about a friend who had died, and recently there have been several episodes detailing cold cases in our city, so that has been especially interesting. I enjoy Keith Morrison narrating, and I often find myself talking to the killer through the television screen. Over the years, we've learned a few things from the show. First and foremost: if you ever find yourself being investigated by the police, tell the absolute truth!

Ephesians 4:25 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

Telling the truth can be hard. In times of trouble, our instinct is to lie. A mother might ask who ate the last cookie, and her child instinctively knows to deny involvement. The child may even blame a sibling.

As believers, we must live in a way that only allows for truth. In his letter to Titus, Paul uses the word "blameless" (Titus 1:6, NIV) to describe who should be an elder, or as the English Standard Version translates the word "above reproach." I've always loved that translation. Yes, being blameless is good. However, to live your life in a way that people can't even accuse you of wrong doing, that is being above reproach. And that is powerful.