Why Is Lying Wrong?

As children, we are commonly taught that lying is wrong. Yet as we grow and mature, lying, especially "white lies" become commonplace, even encouraged in some professions. So why is there a different sentiment concerning lying between different age groups? Is it because parents don't particularly enjoy being lied to by their children? Is it by some deep, forgotten moral code that affects how we think? Or is there something else?

When most people explain why lying is wrong they will cite Exodus 20:16, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." The Ten Commandments are generally seen as the foundation of moral living. In Mark 10:17-27, Jesus is approached by a rich, young ruler who believes that because he has obeyed the commandments he is entitled to the knowledge of how to obtain eternal life. Jesus' response here is key to discovering why lying is TRULY wrong. He instructs the young man to sell he has and give the money to the poor. He then tells the man to follow Him. This idea is crucial because it tells us that God is not satisfied with our blind obedience to His laws. The Christian life is a lively and exciting one, not a mundane checklist. 

Lying is wrong, not simply because God blatantly says it is (although that should be enough). It's wrong because it goes against God's nature. If we ever find ourselves trying to determine whether or not something is wrong we can start by thinking about Jesus. Would Jesus do this? If not, then it's probably something we should stay away from. God has never lied, which tells us how we should approach it. God bless!