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.' 34. But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35. or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.. 36. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Interestingly, doctors ask that we stick our tongues out a part of our physical examination. The book of James has a lot to say about the tongue. It is also evidence of spiritual health or sickness. Controlling the tongue is evidence of spiritual maturity.
Words and misunderstandings can cause a great deal of trouble. We know the power of words. Adolph Hitler was a master communicator. He could move thousands of people to evil deeds by the power of manipulative words. At that same time, Winston Churchill, the noted orator and Prime Minister of England spoke his famous “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” speech that gave England the encouragement it needed to fight against unbelievable odds and ultimately be victorious. It was a turning point for the spirit of Britain in World War 2.
A lot can be communicated or miscommunicated by our words. I came across the following correction as it appeared in a small-town paper. "Our paper carried the notice last week that Mrs. John Jones is a defective in the police force. This was an error. Mr. Jones is really a detective in the police farce."
Then former Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago was quoted assuring the public that “the police aren't here to create disorder; the police are here to preserve disorder."
Jesus is teaching about the difference between our actions and our words. Even though the tongue can be a vehicle of grace, our actions can speak more loudly. The importance of what we say must match with what we do.
This week be mindful especially of your promises, your temptations to lie or misrepresent something. Be aware of how your words can be graceful or hurtful. Think about gossip and if what your sharing is to build up or tear down? Think about the words of anger and the words of peace.
Application: How would Jesus speak in some of your situations this week?
Prayer: May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your Site, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer. Word of God speak, as I stay and rest in Your holiness.
