A LONG time ago as a young Marine, I was in uniform on a flight returning from deployment. On my mind was the image of a dog I saw guarding the dead body of what once was his owner. For some reason, even though there were a several other items far worse there, that darn dog stuck in my mind. Reaching over the seat in front of me was a little boy....not sure of his age, maybe 6-8 years old...he asked me what was wrong. I paused for a while, looked him right in the eyes and lied. Told him I had a stomach ache and smiled at him, then started asking him questions about where he was going to change the conversation which worked. He went on and on about the beach he went to. I have serious issues with lying to or harming children, but I couldn't say what I was really thinking to a little boy.
Do you think it was wrong to lie given these circumstances?
As a person trying to be a Christian, aren't I suppose to not lie?
I have conflicting feelings on this, and it's been many years ago
2006-09-28 16:39:17 · 22 answers · asked by Robert 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
ferrrrp ! : This one was my first engagement, hence the memory. Operation Just Cause. Panama. Dec 89. Look it up yourself. I haven't the time for little boys.
2006-09-28 17:05:40 · update #1
...MEANT to say...I have time for little boys such as you, ferrrrp !
2006-09-28 17:16:04 · update #2
It doesn't seem as if you bore false witness to this child. Bearing false witness--I think--is telling an untruth in order to get something for yourself, in some way, shape, or form. Your choice not to share your innermost thoughts with this child was not to protect you from something or get something for yourself, but to shield the child from something he may have very well been ill-equipped to handle.
People do not automatically have a right to your intimate thoughts. When they ask you about them, you have a choice whether to tell them or not. According to your standards, saying "Nothing" as a response to the child would also be a lie. If it were me, I probably would have said something like, "I'm just thinking about something upsetting. I'm sorry. ... Hey, where are you going?" But then again, I might have been taken by surprise and might have made something up too, like a stomachache.
I don't think that you committed a sin by lying to the child. I think you did what a responsible adult would have done--not given the child access to a complex emotional situation that he was probably not equipped to handle.
In any event, if you feel you have committed an offense, ask God to forgive you through Christ's mercy. He will, indeed, forgive you, if indeed you sinned. You might even ask him if what you did was wrong. If you sit quietly and listen, God could very well answer you.
Best to you.
2006-09-28 16:51:36 · answer #1 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Are you serious? I'm sure you are capable of good judgment, which is why you did what you did. Do you really feel guilty about lying to a little child when the only other option would have been to horrify him? If you have kids, then you know that you must lie at times to protect them. Would you tell your child every time you made love to your wife? Some things are just not for little ears.
2006-09-28 16:44:20 · answer #2 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's ok that you spared a child from the torments of your time-worn mind. I actually asked a question about lying a while back... the best answer I chose said something like "it's permissible to commit a lesser sin so that a greater sin may be avoided."
It's bad to lie but it would've been worse to traumatize a kid with the truth. If the thought bothered you that much then it's a good thing that you told the kid something nice so that he wouldn't get scared.
2006-09-28 16:41:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You acted in the best interest of the child, a good thing because he didn't need to know your private thoughts which would have been inappropriate for him to hear. Since you're feeling guilty about lying, ask the Lord to forgive you and trust that He will.
If you're ever in a situation like that again, just say "I'm not feeling well", Which emotionally, you weren't. You can be truthful without being specific.
2006-09-28 16:53:51 · answer #4 · answered by Hope 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your first reaction was to sheild the child from the morbid and sickly sight that was stuck in your mind. That was acceptable. Which would be worse, lying to a child to protect him from unsettling sights, or exposing him to the horrors of war? It would have been better to tell the truth, but no man who has seen what you have would fault you for what you did. The child went on from the plane to live a normal life. It might have been different. Had you told him what was really making you sick, he might have been mildly haunted with the idea of morbid scenes. He would have at least remembered what you said for the rest of your life. I'd say you did the lesser of two evils.
2006-09-28 16:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by St. Toad 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you did the right thing by spareing the little boys feelings and those images that he might not have been able to ever forget. In a situation like that you have to do what you feel is right . I think you chose the right thing to do. I guess the question you could ask yourself is would you have told your own child about something like that .?
2006-09-28 16:49:27 · answer #6 · answered by Tears30 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's been many years ago...but you still remember it. And it meant enough to you to ask this question.
Isn't is amazing how a young child can sense something is wrong in an adult? I think he knew you were lying when you told him, but decided it was better to drop the subject.
I only wish adults could be this compassionate for other people.
2006-09-28 16:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by fresh2 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says "all the liars" will not inherit God's Kingdom but you obviously feel badly about it. Why not ask God to forgive you and try very hard not to lie again. Your motives were not selfish ones and you seem to have a good heart. None of us are perfect. Once you have unburdened yourself to God, do not cling to guilt. Too much guilt is a tool that Satan can use. Allow God to forgive you and then, forgive yourself.
2006-09-28 18:58:14 · answer #8 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't believe you were wrong, you were thinking of that little child's feelings, that was a very sweet thing. being you are a Christian & trying to do your best & felt guilty about this just shows you are trying to live a good Christian life.
Lord bless you
2006-09-28 19:10:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do no harm my friend. You did no harm. The use of some religious principal is empty if not used with heart. Carry this load no farther brother you have done the right thing.
Semper Fi
Mark
2006-09-28 16:47:57 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋