Keep Your Word

"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.”Matthew 5:33-37 The MessageOur words and actions say a lot about who we are. As Christians we are often judged more harshly than others because of what we say or do or what we say and don’t do. People expect non-Christians to demonstrate less than honorable behavior and attitudes. However Christians are called to a higher standard and rightfully so. You may have heard words like, “and they call themselves a Christian” and we are. That is why it is extremely important that we live lives that represent our allegiance, fear, and respect for God. And that goes for our speech as well. That does not mean that we are perfect, far from it. What we are are individuals who understand that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41) and we need the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all that we do. We should not say things to appear religiously pious. If someone asks you to pray for them, then pray. In fact why not stop and pray right at that moment. Not to be looked up to but because a need has been requested and you believe so much in the power of prayer and God’s ability to answer prayer that you are not hesitant to do so. It is these types of actions that show to whom you belong.Doing what you say you will demonstrates that you are trustworthy and that you can be trusted when you give your word. Remember, we are not desiring for people to look up to us but through our words and actions they look up to Him!! Whatever you do, do it as doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).