Keeping My Word

When it came to promises and commitments, Jesus put high value on simple, clear, and responsible talk.  In His day the only way some people would keep certain commitments was to swear by this or that.  This practice of not being people of their word offended Jesus’ sense of justice, particularly when people were using the name of God or the temple or some other religious item as the object of their sworn statement. 

Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.  (Matthew 5:37 NLT)  Are we people of our word or do we need a court order to force us to tell the truth or fulfill the commitments we make?

One of the other ways Jesus challenged his disciples about their dishonouring of God’s name was in thoughtless singing, and prayer.  Do we worship God with our singing or do we sing songs just because we like the tune or the beat?  Are we really confessing our sins when we pray a prayer of confession in church?  When we pray, “In Jesus name” are we asking for things we know He would ask for? 

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again.  (Matthew 6:7 NLT)  Do we mean what we say and say what we mean? 

Are we honouring God with our use of His name in our words and in our lives?  Are we honouring one another in our conversations, our commitments, and even in our disappointments? 

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)

©2013 Partners in Hope