Step 8: Say YES To Jesus' Wisdom on Promises

Step 8: Say YES To Jesus’ wisdom on promises

Scripture

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:33-37


Brief Observation

When we say “YES” to Jesus, we’re saying “Yes” to using our words the way He did (and does). His words create, care, challenge and confront…all in love. What we read above is an example of how his words challenged his disciples (then and now) to be care-filled with their words of promises and commitment.


Think with me about the effects of broken or unmet promises. Have you ever had someone break a promise they made to you? Have you promised you’d do something and then never got around to it? How did that affect your relationship? Relationships are built through trust…and broken through distrust. And if you are going to make a difference in your family, church, school, workplace or career, it is essential that people can take you at your word.


In ancient times oaths were used to bind relationships. Like a signature on a document or a notary punch, oaths illustrated the seriousness of the words that were being exchanged. Jesus was saying it was important for his disciples to be trustworthy by keeping their promises, but even more, he was inviting them to live such trustworthy lives that they wouldn’t need to make their promises sound even more significant by swearing on God’s throne or whatever. 


You may wonder how this matters in our world today. Well, I think that in our hyperbusy and hyperconnected world, one of the common struggles that we face is overcommitment. I invite you to take a “commitment audit” and examine what activities and groups you have committed to. Are you stretched so thin that you are exhausted from all that you have committed to? Are you not able to keep up with the demands of the commitments you have made? Ask God for grace and wisdom to say what you mean, mean what you say, not overcommit and deliver what you promise.


Prayer

God, you created the world with words, help me use my words to create and strengthen relationships. Jesus, you always said what you meant and your actions always matched your words. Spirit, help me take seriously the power of a promise and to live without overcommitting or underdelivering.


Daily Scripture

Monday: Matthew 5:33-37

Tuesday: Ephesians 4:15 & 19

Wednesday: James 5:9-12

Thursday: Colossians 4:5-6

Friday: Matthew 12:33-37

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