Maintaining Privacy

"A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation." - Saki

This blog entry was inspired by a Bible Study session that the Corps offered recently on integrity. And the questions that buzzed around in my head afterwards were simple: should I lie to protect my own privacy? Surely everyone needs the right to privacy?

This has struck a chord with me personally. Yes, I've been teased, even ridiculed, for a couple of the things I have done in recent years. You know, things that were important to me. Friends and colleagues actually called me foolish; family members belittled me for taking a stand; failed to back me up when I stood up to be counted. I've even blogged about it before, here...

So, I must admit, that's why I avoid the criticism. If it's tricky, I don't tell them. Is that telling a lie? I'm simply carrying on doing what I think is right. And if I do deceive, am I doing it for the right reasons - simply trying to protect myself and my family?

So, where do I go from here? OK. I'm told I shouldn't lie - it's far more preferable to simply tell people "I don't want to tell you" when they ask. Or words to that effect. Perhaps I need to start going more public with it, open up, and hang the consequences...

Mmmm ... not sure how that one will go down ...

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Leviticus 19:11 (NIV)
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.