People lie about everything these days

Dear Pastor,

I have a question for you. When life and harm are not an issue, why do people lie?

I have noticed that people lie for nothing these days. Maybe it was always like that; I do not know. However, I have seen a propensity for people to lie for the simplest of things, whether by misleading or bending the truth slightly. I suppose they think they will never be found out, but when I find out, I view the person differently, although I may not say anything.

I cannot say I have always told the truth, but these nonsensical little lies have never been something I did. My parents taught me at an early age to always tell the truth and what is done in darkness will come to light. What are your views, Pastor? I read your column every day in THE STAR and when I miss a day, I go back and catch up. So I will look out for your response.

R.H.

Dear R.H.,

My answer to you is very simple. People lie for many different reasons and some people lie because they are sick.

It is like they can't do better. One of my sons went out with one of our neighbours and as he drove my son around, he pointed out to certain buildings in the city and told my son, "You see these buildings? They are mine. I own these buildings." But my son was intelligent enough to know that he was telling him these things to impress him. He was always the type of man who wanted everybody to know that he is wealthy. But those of us who knew him well knew that he was poorer than a church mouse. So poor that when he died, his family could not even find money to take care of his funeral expenses. Some people lie by saying that they know certain people in society, but they are lying. They want to impress others that they associate with these individuals and can receive favours from them.

I declare to you that a liar is a crook and he cannot be trusted. A liar is also a thief. Some people are pathological liars. It is like they cannot do better. I knew a man who lived with a woman for many years. I tried to get that man to marry the woman. She had three sons. One was in an institution and the other was roaming about the place. The man did not know. The man thought that she only had one son, the one who was living with them. But one day he got a call from police informing him that his son was in police custody and had been arrested. He said "No officer, my son is here with me." The police assured him that they arrested his son. The man was so shocked. For years, the woman fooled him. She had lied to him and did not tell him the truth about the number of children that she had. But that woman used to always attend church, singing hymns and praising the Lord. I am glad this man did not marry her.

A liar is a liar. Sometimes the lies that people think might be harmless may put others in prison. So my suggestion is, dear Sir, do not associate yourself with liars.

Pastor