We’ve all caught at least some of the news lately about Lance Armstrong. If you don’t know what’s going on, simply Google 
Lance Armstrong and you will see what everyone seems to be talking about. In a nut shell, Lance Armstrong one of (if not the) greatest cyclists in the world – 7 time Tour de France Champion – has finally confessed to taking performance enhancing drugs. He has consistently denied allegations of drug use for over 10 years.
So, if you had to pick one word to describe Lance, what would it be? Liar? Cheat? Deceiver? Phony? Failure? Fraud?
A few years ago what one word would you have used to describe Lance? Champion? Overcomer? Courageous? Dedicated? Hero?
His world has collapsed, his empire has crumbled, his reputation is not only damaged, it is completely destroyed.
Did you see his “confession” on Oprah? He was fairly matter-of-fact about it all. The critical thing that seemed to be missing was “contrition” – “sincere regret or remorse for one’s wrong doing.” I didn’t get the feeling that he was truly sorry – maybe he is, but it didn’t come across in the interview.
There is massive anger being expressed in the media about how he deceived fans, supporters, donors, sponsors, the industry and the general public for many, many years. And, he attacked and bullied those who attempted to get the truth out. You have to say one thing about him, he was definitely committed to living a lie. Go hard, or go home.
What he did is completely and utterly wrong – full stop. But is he that different from you and me?
Have you ever lied? You don’t need to answer that – of course you have, we all have. Have you ever lied to yourself? Of course you have. How long have you been living a lie? I would bet dollars to donuts that you have been living a lie – or lies – for decades: Lies like, “You can’t really trust God to be good.” “You really have nothing to offer.” “You really don’t need anyone.” “No one really wants you around.” “You can’t really count on anyone.” “This is as good as it gets, you can’t hope for anything better than this.”, etc., etc., etc.
I could go on and on because our enemy is the father of lies. That is all he does. And when we believe his lies over the Truth of God we have made an agreement with those lies and are committed to living them.
Should we condone lying? No. Should we be shocked to learn that people lie? No. What is appalling about Lance is the depth of his commitment to the lies.
But then again, are we any different? How committed have we been to the lies we have believed about ourselves, our loved ones and our God?
God forgive us. We are not that much different than Lance. Help us to walk in truth and integrity of heart. May we be more committed to living the truth than living a lie. Would you help us to root out the lies we have believed and be wholeheartedly committed to the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth – so help us God.
And Lord, please help Lance.
Psalm 34:12, 13
“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Isaiah 66:2b
“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”