- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,207
Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
We’ve all been in situations where it’s easier not to tell the truth. We do it for a variety of what seem like good reasons—protecting ourselves or someone else, or maintaining someone’s high opinion of us—or sometimes, just because it’s easier. And while there are subtle shades of nuance in many situations, the bottom line question may very well be: Would my words have passed Jesus’ litmus test of intention?
For Jesus, it wasn’t enough to obey the Law externally; the motives and attitude of the heart were paramount. It was against Moses’ Law to cheat on your spouse, but Jesus said that if you only looked at a woman with lust, you were just as guilty in God’s eyes. God doesn’t want outward performance without internal obedience.
There used to be a saying that a man’s word was his bond. God even said He hates liars, but that He loves trustworthy people (Proverbs 12:22). Times have changed. Telling the truth these days often carries the consequences that lying used to, but God doesn’t change. He keeps His word, and He expects you to do the same. Don’t dance with words; tell the hard truth, and God will have your back.
We’ve all been in situations where it’s easier not to tell the truth. We do it for a variety of what seem like good reasons—protecting ourselves or someone else, or maintaining someone’s high opinion of us—or sometimes, just because it’s easier. And while there are subtle shades of nuance in many situations, the bottom line question may very well be: Would my words have passed Jesus’ litmus test of intention?
For Jesus, it wasn’t enough to obey the Law externally; the motives and attitude of the heart were paramount. It was against Moses’ Law to cheat on your spouse, but Jesus said that if you only looked at a woman with lust, you were just as guilty in God’s eyes. God doesn’t want outward performance without internal obedience.
There used to be a saying that a man’s word was his bond. God even said He hates liars, but that He loves trustworthy people (Proverbs 12:22). Times have changed. Telling the truth these days often carries the consequences that lying used to, but God doesn’t change. He keeps His word, and He expects you to do the same. Don’t dance with words; tell the hard truth, and God will have your back.
