TRUTH > the lies

The TRUTH is greater than the lies.  It is both a simple statement and a complicated one.  It is cornerstone principle for parenting.  Our world today is filled with lies: lies about who we are, lies about our value and worth, and lies about what we can or cannot do.  It shouldn’t surprise that our world is full of lies when we’ve been told that lying is the native tongue of prince of this world.  Unfortunately, many groups, companies and individuals contribute to this culture of deception for one simple reason: get someone to believe a lie and you can predict his behavior.  Convince me that I have to dress a certain way to get respect and you can predict that I will attempt to dress that way.  Convince me that I will never be good enough and I will first try to prove you wrong; but eventually, I will believe you and find some way to numb the pain of disappointment.

What does this have to do with parenting?  Our kids struggle at times.  On occasion, they make choices that leave us asking, “Why did you do that?”  We wonder why they would make a choice they know to be harmful (because we have told them it’s harmful).  This question, which often has no answer from our kids, leads us to frustration or anger.  I have been angry at my kids and the choices they make many times.  Maybe you have too??  But, what if I understood that my kids are influenced by the lies they hear.  What if I understood that when my kid believes a lie about themself, their choices are a direct response to this?  How would this understanding affect my response?  Imagine I can convince you that the room you are sitting in right now was on fire.  What if I convinced you that the every door to the room was locked and you could not open it?  Would you grab a chair, or something similar, and throw it through the window to escape?  Of course you would!!  What if someone was passing by when you did this and didn’t see the fire?  Would they think you were crazy?  Of course they would!!  Now, if there really is a fire, your actions make perfect sense; but, if there is no fire your actions (which are based on a lie you believe) make no sense.  How would you approach your kids when they make poor choices if you understood this?

How do I know this is true?  Well, part of the answer comes from my own study.  The other part of the answer comes from painful life experience.  Having spent a long time living in response to lies, I know firsthand the power of TRUTH to overcome lies. 

What does it mean?  Simply this – our battle is not against people, our kids or the decisions they make.  Our battle is with the lies and the father of lies.

fight the lies.  speakTRUTH.

Observations about TRUTH and the lies:

The lies often appear easier than TRUTH.

The lies can sometimes hide TRUTH, but only for a time.

The lies create bondage, hurt and disappointment; TRUTH sets us free.

This is why I know: TRUTH > the lies.

Shawn Breeden is a parent coach with Revolution Family Coaching.