Posted on 04/24/2019 8:37:36 AM PDT by metmom
“‘But let your statement be, “Yes, yes” or “No, no”; anything beyond these is of evil’” (Matthew 5:37).
Keeping your word is the mark of a genuine worshiper and demonstrates that you, as a child of God, hate lies. Everything in God’s kingdom is sacred and all truth is His truth, so truth has no degrees or shades. Thus even what seems to be the most minor false statement dishonors God’s name.
The Lord has never had any standard other than absolute truthfulness. He wants every one of us to possess “truth in the innermost being” (Ps. 51:6). And it follows that “lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 12:22; cf. 6:16–17; Ps. 58:3–4).
Because God has the ultimate criterion of complete truthfulness, even our most routine conversations should be truthful and dependable in every detail. Our everyday talk ought to be plain and straightforward, uncluttered by qualifiers, exaggerations, or hedges on the truth. Our word must be as good as our bond or as any vow or oath we ever make. James’s admonishment agrees with Jesus’ teaching, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment” (James 5:12).
Ask Yourself
Truth and honesty will never be your default setting until you pursue it deliberately—spending your words carefully and keeping your word completely. In what particular areas of your life is it hardest for you to keep your promises?
Studying God’s Word ping
Bookmark.
“Does this make my ass look big?”
Conundrum of the ages.
and answering “Compared to what?” is not a good answer either!
Most of us are quite capable of lying to ourselves
Once one is doing that, lying to others is all too easy
And lying to God...
Most of us are justified in our own hearts
We believe that our thoughts, words, and actions are justified
When, in fact, they are filthy rags
I yearn for the day I am released from this mortal coil
And begin repair
I’m ready for the repair to begin NOW.
I’m sure Jesus was genuinely and generally against lying. However, here He is preaching against oath taking, not lying. Let your yes be yes means you don’t have to “swear to God.” You can (and should) just say yes.
...I’m ready for the repair to begin NOW
with Gratitude and Humility for His Grace and Healing
The War Within (Romans 7:14-25)
BUMP!
Neither is silence.
Nor the truth: No; your fat makes you look fat.
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