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“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.” - James 5:12
The word swear in this reference is not referring to using curse words. No, here it is a manner of making a commitment, "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." It's a matter of making an oath to someone, and is directly relevant to one's integrity and character. We've all had those circumstances when someone made a promise or a commitment to you and then for one reason or another broke it. It's almost diminished in value in the eyes of many people where it has become the natural way of doing business.
Are you a man (woman) of your word? Can others listen to your words and take it to the bank with complete confidence that you will follow thru? Think of your friends, who are you going to trust as authentic and committed? I think it's a shame that this list is small. There was a time when a man's hand shake and his solemn word was good enough to barter away livestock, tractors and fields. Long gone are the days of "I'll pay you next time." Now it is more along the lines of, "Whatever, take me to court if you want it." A person used to hold their head high with pride in the integrity and character for which they stood. Now, they will look you right in the eye, lie to you and never even blink.
So, it's important my friends that we fully grasp the 2nd half of James 5:12. The Lord sees all, knows all and will judge all. His instructions here, as well as the sermon on the mount in Matthew talk of integrity and walking in it. For condemnation awaits those that have jeopardized their integrity. There will come a day when Christ will sit upon the judgment seat and your character will be on display. For this reason, as well as to reinstitute the pride and trust into our society, Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," be no.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012Are you a man (woman) of your word? Can others listen to your words and take it to the bank with complete confidence that you will follow thru? Think of your friends, who are you going to trust as authentic and committed? I think it's a shame that this list is small. There was a time when a man's hand shake and his solemn word was good enough to barter away livestock, tractors and fields. Long gone are the days of "I'll pay you next time." Now it is more along the lines of, "Whatever, take me to court if you want it." A person used to hold their head high with pride in the integrity and character for which they stood. Now, they will look you right in the eye, lie to you and never even blink.
So, it's important my friends that we fully grasp the 2nd half of James 5:12. The Lord sees all, knows all and will judge all. His instructions here, as well as the sermon on the mount in Matthew talk of integrity and walking in it. For condemnation awaits those that have jeopardized their integrity. There will come a day when Christ will sit upon the judgment seat and your character will be on display. For this reason, as well as to reinstitute the pride and trust into our society, Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," be no.
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