We have concluded that we engage in some tricky rationalization that allows some deception without feeling bad about ourselves.  We want to explore the degree of those limits and what impacts the extent and amount of lies that people tell others. For example, if the likelihood of being caught is low, we tend to stretch the limits we place on ourselves.  Another example of a sin that illustrates the rationalization that is going on in each of us is the sin of stealing. One may never steal cash from another’s billfold but would be tempted to steal a tool that the owner would have to replace with money.   Some rationalize that they deserve it or feel entitled.  This is encouraged when one’s accomplishments are accentuated. Others reason that it is just and fair to equalize the playing field. If a man has two hammers, he can only use one at a time. It’s not fair that he has two or three when I have none.  Or, perhaps their internal ‘good person’ thermometer is high, so stealing or cheating a little bit is ok.  Again, if we think we can benefit others with our lies, we lie more.  Nobile motives make us feel that we are still good people so the lies are more tolerable.  This is like the little boy who grabbed more than one piece of candy from the homeowner on Halloween because he was including his baby sister.
Knowing the rationale used to justify lies, may help us encourage truth-telling. An angry father who asks his child if they did something is not a good approach.  As Paul reminds brethren to tell the truth because we are members of one another, we can encourage others to tell the truth by appealing to their honesty and moral excellence.  Some things done to discourage lies are to use honor codes, sign some oath of allegiance, or merely remind them of their desire to be a good person. The best thing that can be done to discourage lies is the confess it to our brethren when it is done. We need to acknowledge the lies we tell ourselves before we will ever quit telling lies to others.