There is a corner of political commentary that is increasingly vile.

I have increasingly been exposed to one in particular that is disturbing: the claim that Michelle Obama is a man. 

Michelle Obama is not above criticism. Like any public figure, her ideas, influence, words, and political advocacy should be evaluated. But criticism is not the same as slander. Opposition is not the same as mockery. 

Christians, of all people, should know the difference. Because, if the Church is going to claim to be a people of truth, then the truth must govern us.

The Bible Condemnds False Witness

The Ninth Commandment is not complicated. In Exodus, it says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). A person does not cease to become a neighbor because we disagree with them. 

The former first lady is not exempt from criticism, but she is also not exempt from the basic moral dignity God gives to all people. Proverbs 19:5 warns, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord…” Lying lips are not only unhelpful and unwise, they are an abomination. 

We live in an age where many people treat truth as a weapon. If something harms the other side, they share it. If it humiliates someone they oppose, they laugh at it. If it confirms their tribal instincts, they spread it.

But Christians should run from this approach. 

Slander Is Sin 

One of the excuses people make for this kind of behavior is that public figures should expect ridicule. There is some truth to that in a limited sense. Public figures should expect scrutiny. Their ideas should be tested. Their public claims should be challenged. Their political influence should be examined.

But scrutiny is not slander. The Bible does not create a special moral category where lying becomes acceptable if the person has money, fame, power, or political influence.

Titus 3:2 tells believers “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” First Peter 2:1 says, “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”

Notice the words Scripture connects together: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander. These are not the tools of Christian courage. They are works of the flesh.

Conservatism Depends on Moral Order

Conservatism is rooted in moral order, inherited wisdom, virtue, restraint, truth, family, human dignity, and the recognition that civilization depends on character. If that is true, then conservatives cannot afford to become people who treat truth casually.

There are plenty of real issues to confront. We do not need fake ones.

We can do better. More importantly, God commands better.

If we are going to speak in the name of truth, then we must be people of truth. Even when it costs us clicks. Even when it corrects our tribe. Even when the person in question is someone with whom we deeply disagree.

Because in the end, our allegiance is not to a party, a movement, a commentator, or an online crowd. Our allegiance is to Christ. Christ does not need lies to defend the truth.

Christians are forbidden from making or spreading claims about another person unless those claims are true, just, and responsibly grounded. Next time you see a claim about a leader, ask: Is it true? Is it just? Is it responsible?