Yes or No

Scripture – Matthew 5:33-37: ³³“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ ³⁴But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Often it’s hard to get a simple “yes” or “no” from someone. I’ve known people to vehemently declare they would do something. They promise over and over they will do it. It seems like the more they emphasize that, the less likely it will happen. Actually, I have done that myself more than a few times. I’ve learned to avoid doing that. If I’m asked to do something, I practice saying “yes” or “no.” I don’t put any conditions on it (like, if I have time or if I’m in town). And I don’t second-guess it. If something comes up and I have to change my response, I do so upfront, quickly and honestly. At least, that’s how I act on my good days.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to this today. I’ll discipline myself to answer honestly and simply.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your direction here is very clear. Give me patience and sensitivity to other people as they respond. Help me keep the log out of my eye, so I can help them with the speck in theirs. Help me live today saying “yes” to you.