A little padding in the story?

July 5, 2007

By Jerry Scott

I was asked to read a resume recently. It made some claims that didn’t reflect reality. If I had not known the person, his resume would have led me to believe he was much more experienced and accomplished than he actually is.

So, everybody “bends” the facts to their own advantage, right? Maybe, but should it be done? Perhaps I’m too cynical, but because of the way words are used I tend to discount much of what I read and hear, thinking, So, what really happened? What is the kernel of fact under the layers of padding?

Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, “I’ve told you a thousand times!” we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is word inflation, which is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us.

Candidates for political office say things full of fluff, just to impress. “It’s so good to be here in New Jersey, the best state in the U.S. I always look forward to visiting beautiful downtown Newark.” The audience politely applauds while thinking, How many times have you said that this week?

Job titles are handed out that mean little in reality but give the appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice presidents there are in banks?

Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines to avoid legal repercussion. Last fall I took my grandson to a fast-food restaurant for a children’s meal that included a little toy. After a moment, he threw the toy down on the table in disgust.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“It doesn’t work like on TV!” he replied.

Welcome to the deceptive world.

As believers, we must not acquiesce to this trend of dishonesty. We must not fall into the trap of padding our stories. To do so is a sin. Jesus tells us, “Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong” (Matthew 5:37, The Message). He made this statement while talking about vows and promises. Our word, Jesus taught, is to be so trustworthy there is no need for us to buttress our truthfulness.

Those who follow Christ should be so authentic, so transparent, no one even thinks to question their truthfulness or wonder if there are hidden messages. James, likewise, directs us to plain speech. “Since you know that [God] cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like ‘I swear to God’ to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you” (James 5:12).

I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff. Do you exaggerate the tone of another’s words? Do you tend to add or subtract details when describing a situation? Do you use language in a way that always shines a favorable light on yourself?

Aim for honesty. I am not suggesting that in the name of being real we have to say hurtful, mean or ugly things. There’s a time for discretion, usually expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. Honor the Lord by refusing all forms of puffery, dishonesty and fluff. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be — nothing more, nothing less.

Jerry D. Scott is senior pastor of Washington (N.J.) Assembly of God.