The More We Lie, The Easier It Gets

Hello Friend,

How are you? I hope you are well. One of the lies I learned and embraced growing up is the idea that “there’s nothing wrong with telling “white lies.” For those of you who may not know, a “white lie” is usually an untruth you say to keep from hurting someone. For instance, when your mom asks what you think of dinner you say, “The soup is great!” when really it’s terrible.

Back in 2016 the researchers at the University College London discovered a downside to telling lies. What they found is that the brain actually changes when people continue to lie. Their findings came from the MRI scans that were conducted on the brains of 80 volunteers while they took part in tasks that encouraged them to lie. As the experiment progressed, the volunteers continued to lie, and each lie tended to get bigger. With each subsequent lie, the amygdala’s (a part of the brain) response decreased, making it easier for the volunteer to tell progressively increasing whoppers.

Tali Sharot, senior author of the study said, “This may lead to a ‘slippery slope,’ where small acts of dishonesty escalate into more significant lies,” As researchers reflected on their findings they speculated that the brain may adapt when other immoral behaviors are practiced. “We only tested dishonesty in this experiment, but the same principle may also apply to escalations in other actions, such as risk taking or violent behavior,” said lead author Neil Garrett.

Cedarville University’s Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies Jason Lee isn’t surprised by the findings. He noted this is the very thing Paul wrote about in the beginning of his letter to the Romans. Romans 1:21 – “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (NIV)

Although this slippery slope into sin is a reality, we shouldn’t despair. God’s Word has hope! Paul in I Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (ESV)

No matter what sin you may have been caught up in, God can help you find victory and freedom if you look to Him when temptation comes. Then He will help you respond in a way that keeps you from sinning. Remember Jesus was tempted like you and I, but never sinned. If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord you too can be kept from sinning if you seek help from God. Give it a try today!

In Jesus’ love,

Pastor Tom