“Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But make sure your statement is, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil origin” (Matthew 5:36).
Often, we will act as if we have power. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. We have no power over these things. We may say, “By [whatever], I am going to . . . ,” but Jesus is teaching us to be truthful. I have no power to assure what is going to happen, so why swear by it? Instead, be truthful, do your best and if the Lord wills, work toward what you seek and it will come to pass.
Lord, You know how often I do this. I suspect I do it more than I can even begin to realize. No wonder I have so much disappointment. I tell myself that something is going to happen, and it doesn’t. Then, I blame You. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to learn how to be truthful in all things. Teach me how to respond with an affirmation or rejection and then move forward.
Lord Jesus, You did not come into this world to impress anyone. I should not seek to do that either. Lead me to be a person of my word and to do so without oaths or swearing by anything. Help me to learn how to be honest with myself. Guide me this day, Lord, for I know that You have told me that all things are in the Father’s hands. Guide me, with a truthful tongue, to follow You today. Amen.
