It’s tempting to tell a lie—especially when it makes life easier, avoids conflict, or earns approval. But what happens when we allow small lies to become habits in our families? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the Ten Commandments with a deeper look at the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.”
They share personal stories of "white lies," explore how environments normalize deceit, and offer biblical encouragement for parenting kids who lie. From fake IDs to fudging a child’s age for a discount, this conversation uncovers how truth-telling is foundational to trust and love in the home.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why lying is often motivated by fear, shame, or the desire for approval
- How “small” lies can create lasting damage in relationships
- Parenting strategies to lovingly confront dishonesty without shame
- Why full confession—not partial—is the only way to rebuild trust
- How to keep communication open and be a “safe place” for truth
Featured Resources:
Visionary Family Events — Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Dominican Republic Mission Trip — Support the Rienow family's July 5–11 mission trip with Filter of Hope. Help bring clean water and the hope of the Gospel to families in need. Learn more and give: https://visionaryfam.com
Love this episode?
We’d love to hear from you! Send prayer requests and feedback to podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this conversation encouraged you, please leave a review on your podcast platform—it helps more families discover the show.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
Next Episode Preview:
Next week, we take a deeper look at the 10th commandment, “You shall not covet.” What does it mean to guard your heart in a world filled with comparison and craving? Join us as we explore how contentment leads to joy and freedom in family life.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.