Alex Brandon AP
George Santos
Rep.-elect George Santos, R-N.Y., top center, sits in the House chamber on the opening day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
I recently heard news commentators reminding listeners that lying has long been part of the political landscape, and embellishing one’s achievements is not unusual in election campaigns. Wait a minute, please! Can we as a society pause to examine our moral and ethical blood pressure when it comes to the truth and its value?
I grew up in Chicago, and in my neighborhood, we would say, “People who lie will also steal.” I am a preacher/pastor by profession and calling, and I have been guilty of story exaggeration from time to time. However, we never are allowed to turn our back on the Commandment as delivered to Moses from God, “Thou shalt not lie.”
I suppose it is appropriate to remind New York Representative-Elect George Santos, a Catholic, that Jesus spoke these words to a Jewish audience. Recent revelations have put George Santos under investigation for lying about his heritage, education, professional pedigree and more as he campaigned for office.
When I heard and read about this soon-to-be United States Congressman, I had a flashback to when our now-adult daughter was around eight years old. On more than one occasion, Candiace would listen to a story explained with nuances and rationale and respond that, “If it is not factually true, that is lying.” She would say, “Isn’t that just a lie?” or “That is lying. Period.”
I like to think that her insistence on the truth was because her parents and grandparents and her first teachers embedded in her the great value of truth versus lies, which was undergirded in her religious upbringing in The United Methodist Church. Now married with a family, she is teaching her daughter the value of the truth, honesty, integrity, and accountability.
George Santos has promised to be a good United States Congressman for his New York District. Congressional representatives are supposed to represent those in his or her district. If that is the case, then George Santos has insulted the very people he promised to serve.
To lie is to betray your own value and disobey God. It is hard if not impossible to be a servant leader with integrity if you start your season with lies. In 2023, may we all raise, restore, and embrace the value of honesty, kindness, and truth.
“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.’” John 8:31-32 (NRSV)
Be encouraged.
Bishop Julius C. Trimble serves as resident bishop of the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church. This post is republished from the Indiana Conference website.