When we are hit with a lie “You should have a sexual encounter with a person who’s not your spouse.” and we renounce and disbelieve it, the lie passes harmlessly through us. If we act on the lie, it hits our soul like a bullet. Such impacts impede progress on the straight and narrow path that leads from each of us to God.
Newton tells us that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. We can apply that to lies, as well. When we accept a lie, the impact, like a bullet, drives us farther from God. When we tell a lie, we fire a bullet that may hurt someone else. The recoil of a lie leaving us drives us farther from God. Catholic Fundamentalists call this “Newtonian Theology”.
To tell or believe a lie puts us farther from God.
We can often tell a lie by looking at its intended consequence. All lies encourage human beings to violate one or more of the Ten Commandments.
Plaques commemorating the Ten Commandments are usually ordered to be taken down from government buildings, especially courthouses.
The worst kind of any government’s supporters do not want taxpayers to be reminded that God does not want people to bear false witness or steal.
That’s how some courthouse employees make a living.
