Men, have you ever I lied to your wife? I did, it happened twice in quick succession, and it made me feel uncomfortable. The first time, she was waiting for me to meet her for dinner and called to ask if I was nearby. I told her I was at the exit where the restaurant was located, but that wasn’t true. I was actually three minutes away from that exit. I was caught off guard and chose to lie to avoid any confrontation or disappointment. It seemed harmless, but it didn’t feel right.
The second time I lied was about a smoothie. My wife has a specific list of ingredients she likes in her smoothies, and I assured her I had included everything. But I knew that wasn’t true; I had left out at least one ingredient. I figured it was a minor detail, but the Holy Spirit had a different perspective.
These may not seem like big lies, but they are still lies, and the Holy Spirit made me aware of it. He revealed to me that these seemingly small lies can chip away at my integrity and ultimately lead to bigger lies. If I start justifying “little white lies,” it undermines the trust that I claim to have and that others place in me.
This experience reminded me of the importance of humility, authenticity, and truthfulness, which I call “putting on the H.A.T.” As Christians, we are encouraged to adopt these virtues as foundational practices in our daily lives.
Humility is the key to living a life that honors Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter instructs us to “humble [ourselves] under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6), and he also notes that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility means recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and are dependent on God’s guidance. It helps us keep our pride in check and fosters a genuine attitude toward others.
Authenticity naturally flows from humility. Jesus set the ultimate example of humility when He “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). The dictionary defines authenticity as “conforming to an original to reproduce essential features.” In Christian terms, that means becoming more like Jesus, conforming to His image, and letting His truth guide our actions. We can only be truly authentic when we humble ourselves before God.
Truthfulness is the fruit of humility and authenticity. When we live with these virtues, being truthful becomes a natural outcome. Jesus embodied truth, and He would never lie about something as trivial as how far away He was from a restaurant or whether a smoothie had all the ingredients. Truthfulness should be our standard, and it should permeate everything we do and say.
There’s an opposite reality if you’re not wearing your H.A.T. If you’re not humble, you’re prideful. If you’re not authentic, you’re counterfeit. If you’re not truthful, you’re a liar. This stark contrast makes it clear that failing to live by these virtues can have serious consequences. Prideful, counterfeit liars cannot truly follow Jesus Christ.
My wife was upset when I confessed the truth about the smoothie. It wasn’t just the lie; it was the principle that I would compromise my integrity over something so trivial. I was embarrassed and knew I had to make it right. I fixed the smoothie the way it should have been in the first place, but more importantly, I had to work on rebuilding the trust I had eroded. The Holy Spirit convicted me to examine my heart and recognize the dangers of small lies.
These experiences taught me a valuable lesson. It’s not just about repairing a small mistake or fixing a smoothie; it’s about addressing the heart of the issue—the willingness to deceive, even in seemingly minor ways. If I can excuse a small lie, what’s stopping me from allowing bigger deceptions? It’s a slippery slope, one that can lead us far away from the truth and ultimately from God. That’s why wearing the H.A.T. isn’t just about a daily ritual—it’s about embracing a mindset and lifestyle that keeps us on the path of righteousness.
Each day offers a new opportunity to choose truth, to choose humility, and to live authentically. So, have you remembered to wear your H.A.T. today? If not, I encourage you to confess, repent, and put on humility, authenticity, and truthfulness. It’s a daily practice that leads to a more fulfilling and God-honoring life. These virtues bring joy and peace, knowing you’re living in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus. If you take this step, you’ll find that it changes your life and those around you for the better.
Mark W. Koch is an Author, inspirational speaker, and Hollywood Film Producer. To order a Free Copy of, “The First Hour” for Men 30-Day Journey, Visit www.thefirsthour.com and use promo code NCF
