When you talk, are you trustworthy?
Can someone believe what you say?
Do people actually believe what you say?
Have you ever considered whether or not people believe you? Is this question one you have ever thought through? In fact, is it possible that people do not believe you?
I have asked several questions to try to get you thinking. In a couple of areas of my life, I have noticed a great deal of people who talk; however, often their words do not match their actions or the total facts. As a follower of Christ, this saddens me.
James Challenges Us in This Area
Pastor James, Jesus’ half-brother, writes to those who are under intense persecution. They are disappointed, under pressure, and many feared their lives. As he challenged them to persevere, he sets God’s standard for their words:
12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. (James 5:12)
James states this truth with a prohibition and a positive command. Negatively stated: Do not swear. Positively stated: Let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No.”
In other words, you should speak with total integrity, honesty, and sincerity. When you say something, people should be able to believe it without questioning.
What Does This Sound Like?
These statements are prohibited: “This is the honest truth, I swear.” “I promise I’m telling you the truth.” “I swear on my mother’s grave.”
Instead, your word must be reliable. There is no reason to “swear” or “promise” or anything else like it because anytime and anywhere you say something, it is true.
Can you make a mistake? Sure. Can you not remember something with perfection? Again, it’s possible. But in both cases, your motive cannot be to mislead, subjugate, placate, or manipulate.
Today and this week, our words should be trustable in EVERY way. As a follower of Christ, our words indeed should be our bond.
