Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
Sometimes it just makes more sense to lie. In the moment, saying one thing while meaning another, leaving out important details, or giving false information may seem to suit the promotion of our desires and goals. One problem with this strategy is that it quickly stops working as most people see through it eventually, even if we think we are convincing. The second problem with this is that per human tendency, those who lie believe everyone is lying to them. If this is the way you operate in life, how do you know when you can trust what someone says, and how do you let them know that they can trust what you say?
The solution to such a conundrum could come in the form of an oath. The people of Jesus’ time made taking and making oaths an art. They categorized them and knew when they were binding and when they were not. Oaths had various severities and commitments and levels of punishment if broken. Naturally, swearing by God was seen to carry more weight and make you responsible to Him in a way that swearing by something on earth did not.*
Jesus had another way. Jesus presented a solution that recognized this truth: God is everywhere and He hears everything. What you say matters, and when it leaves your mouth, it hits His ears. You are liable. The weight of this truth should send some level of holy fear through our bones. I know it does me!*
Other than bringing our focus to our relationship with God, this truth invites us as followers of Jesus to simply mean and stand by what we say. Others should know that they can trust what we say because of who we are and not just because we swear by something.
I remember situations as a kid where I would say something true yet improbable. My retort to my friend’s disbelief was always, “for real! I promise!” The moment this statement worked, I began to incorporate the phrase, “I swear!” for additional convincing. My parents quickly corrected me, and I stopped referencing “swear,” but that’s hardly the point. It took much longer for me to understand that God cared about my heart.
Why did I feel it necessary to promise or swear? It’s because all of the times that my “yes” was not “yes” and my “no” was not “no” worked against me. As a person of God, I needed to adjust my heart and live from who I was, not from what I could convince. As a holder of Truth, I needed to speak truth; as one who walked with Jesus, I needed to allow Him to be in my every word.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to repent for bearing false witness for perceived advantage and personal gain. Perhaps God wants you to receive your identity as a bearer of truth. Maybe God wants you to drop your promises and just mean “yes” and “no.” Perhaps reflecting Jesus more and your self less looks like simply speaking and standing by your word.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 122-125, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 5:33-37) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).