Pastor Andrews fills out a job reference letter for a parishioner, polishing the sister's halo to a glow somewhat brighter than reality. These little things quickly develop into an easy habit - a matter of convenience that allows us to be sloppy rather than deal with complex or potentially painful situations. There are times, I suppose, and all of us could find an example or two, where a lie seems to be defensible. Some of you probably have such an example on the tip of your tongue right now. Honestly, when we start quibbling about the outer edges and extreme examples like this, wouldn't we have to say that we're really trying to avoid the heart of the issue.
Truth is scarce.
Lies come a dime a dozen. All used to reinforce our own position or pull us up the ladder. The way of Jesus is the way without deception. It is the way that tells the honest truth about things eternal, and also about things of the here and now. Live the truth.