“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
James 5:12
During the fall season, I have had the opportunity to speak to almost every age-group in the community in which I live. It seems that each time, God has given me a devotion which revolves around Christian character. Repeatedly, I have spoken to God’s desire that one who follows Christ should have words and actions that line up with scriptural principles. Just a few nights ago, I spoke to the youth about the charge set forth in the fifth chapter of James. In verse twelve, the scripture calls a Christ-follower to care about the impression he or she leaves, especially as it pertains to his or her words. It seems that the Christian church of today has the same problems found in James’ day, a lack of credibility. When James says, “your yes is to be yes, and your no, no…,” he is saying that a Christian’s words should be true, not just have a ring of truth about them. Unfortunately, so many Christians do not heed James’ instructions… so many are not aware of the impression that their speech has on those who hear it. It was my call to the youth to guard their language and pay attention to their actions so as not accused of hypocrisy, half-truths, and lies. I want to charge all who read this to do the same. Let us set ourselves apart from the culture.
“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable (desirable) of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
(George Washington, soldier, statesman, and president)