Friday; February 7

According to a “This Day In History” website, today is the 80th anniversary of the release of the Disney movie Pinocchio.  Now, I have to be honest here – I am not sure that I have ever sat through the whole movie, but I do know a few of nuances of the film.  First of all, I like Jiminy Cricket and, secondly, I know that when Pinocchio lies, his nose grows.  (I think I knew that before the Geico commercial reminded a new generation of the hazard of telling lies.)  In all honestly, this character flaw is probably the most notable thing about the movie to me.  While it might be an animated story, it carries with it a pretty powerful message.  Dishonesty has consequences.
The discovery of the effects of lying was not something done by the Walt Disney Company, it has been around since the beginning of mankind.  Biblical history is full of examples of the negative impacts lying has on people.  Yet, maybe one of the most insightful verses on honesty is, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15).  Paul reminds us that deceitfulness is not something undertaken by those possessing mature wisdom, it is childish.  It has its roots in trying to take advantage of others.  If we really hope to get ahead in life, honesty is the best policy.
Let’s control our language.  Not just the words that come out of our mouths, but the intent that pours forth out of our hearts.
Think About It!

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