OTKC 09: Keep Your Word

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.  Matthew 5:37 (ESVUK)

I Can’t Take Your Word

Talk is cheap. That’s easy for you to say. They over-promise and under-deliver.

Each of these sentiments reflects a stance that people adopt when they hear someone make a claim. Each of these sentiments essentially says that someone’s word cannot be trusted. Each of these sentiments expresses scepticism about taking someone’s words at face value. They need something else before they take on the word of another. They’ll only believe it when they see it, and until then, they’d prefer to hold what is said at arm’s length. They’re saying – I don’t trust you.

When it comes to certain serious matters where we need to be able to trust someone’s word, there is a practice of taking an oath. In doing that, we bring in the authority of another to support what’s being said. Credence is given when we place our hands on a bible and say that what we say will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If we pledge the life of a loved one, it gives the hearers a sense of the degree to which the word should accepted. All of those endeavour to be a foundation for our word to be trusted. What could possibly be wrong with that?

All You Have Is Your Word

The problem Jesus has is that when we invoke others to support what we’re saying, we undermine what we’re supposed to be here for. That is, we undermine the responsibility we have to be trustworthy people because that’s the sign of being a responsible human being. Made in the image of God who spoke, and it was exactly as He said, so we’re supposed to operate by giving our word, and that’s enough. Jesus commands those who operate as peacemakers pursuing righteousness as merciful and meek on the earth to reflect their Father and operate in a way that their integrity means others can take you at your word.

Jesus builds up to the command by pointing out that everything we want to swear to externally is not ours to guarantee our word. Heaven and earth belong to God; we can’t use that as our base. The main city doesn’t belong to us either. We can’t even use ourselves to swear by because we’re not able to cause those changes to ourselves to suggest we’re really in charge. There’s also something about looking to depend on externals that gives an authority outside us or responsibility to forces beyond ourselves for that which we should take responsibility. If we say we will do something, that should be enough because there should be sufficient authority and validation in the strength of the word we give, rather than needing to appeal to something or someone beyond us, as though they would lend the weight.

Tempted to Falsehood

Jesus’ radical call for people to operate as God initially created them flies in the face of the massive temptation to falsehood. There are compelling reasons why people are inclined to falsehood, whether in small or large ways. There is a sense of self-preservation that can lead people to lie. They could fear trouble, and in an attempt to avoid it, they might lie.

Another reason for falsehood is the sense that we can gain an advantage over someone in a given situation. We want a job, and the role requires specific qualifications at certain grades, so to get the interview, we help ourselves by adjusting our results.

Marketing and advertising can address the felt needs of others and avoid mentioning aspects of what’s being sold or overselling the product on factors that don’t exist, thereby making the sale. Such is the desperate need to win people over that the truth becomes a casualty, as we see in elections for officials who promise radical changes for the benefit and prosperity of voters, only to deliver worse conditions and blame conditions beyond their control.

With so many examples and opportunities to dispense with the truth, it’s no wonder people find it hard to take someone’s word unless some authority is invoked. And the sad thing is even when these are invoked, it doesn’t actually stop someone from telling a lie.

Simply Say: Strategies for Speaking Truthfully

Living a life where our word is our bond is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read about the fruit of the Spirit, which includes faithfulness. As we walk in the Spirit, we are enabled to keep our promises and live with integrity.

The Holy Spirit helps us to discern when we should make commitments and when we should refrain. He gives us the wisdom to know what we can realistically promise and the strength to fulfil those promises, even when it becomes challenging. By relying on the Spirit, we can build trust with others and honour God in our relationships.

As we journey through life, let us remember that our words have power. They can build up or tear down, bring joy or sorrow. By keeping our word, we honour God and reflect His character of faithfulness and truth. May we be people whose yes means yes and whose no means no, not because we fear consequences, but because we love and honour the Lord who is faithful in all His promises?

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom

Questions for Reflection

• How do you currently approach making promises or commitments in your life?
• How do you combat the temptation to lie? How do you rely on the Spirit to maintain this?
• How can you use Jesus’ command here to help you deepen relations with God and others?