Keep It Simple

• Have you ever made a pinky swear? Or heard someone swear on something, like the Bible, in order to be more convincing? What did they swear on?

• Why do you think people expect Jesus’ followers to be honest?

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:37

Isn’t it great when God gives us simple instructions? When Jesus spoke these words from Matthew, he was teaching a large crowd. It was common for the people in this crowd to convince others of something by swearing by something else. And it’s still common today. You’ve probably heard someone say, “I swear on my grandmother’s grave!” or “I swear to God!”

Jesus was telling these people, and is telling us now, that as his followers we do not need to swear by anything to make our words believable. This type of “swearing” is commonly used to deceive people, and Christians should have no reason to deceive other people, ever. We are to be known for and recognized by our honesty.

Our sincerity should be a sign to others, believers and nonbelievers alike, that we are followers of Jesus. Our yes should mean yes. Our no should mean no. It should be that simple. We shouldn’t need to beg people to believe us. If we are living the way God wants us to live, then people will already know us for our honesty and will trust us.

PRAYER
Dear God, please help us to mean what we say and to always be honest, in order to glorify you. Amen.