Read Matthew 5:33-37

“³⁷ Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

When was the last time you stretched the truth, said something you regretted or felt compelled to outline your accomplishments in order to persuade someone to trust you?

These rashly, brashly spoken words can teach us much about the state of our hearts. In vain attempts to be liked, loved and accepted we aim to convince ourselves and others that we are more successful, powerful, knowledgeable, and well-connected than we truly are. Though well-intentioned, Jesus says that our words can betray our sinful desire to always appear “bigger” than we are.

In verses 33-37, Jesus holds up a mirror saying, “Stop aligning yourselves with things bigger than yourselves [heaven, earth, cities] to make out that you are ‘somebody to be trusted’.” Rather, learn to live and speak with such simplicity and truth that people come to trust you at your word. We shouldn’t need to lean on our religion, education, family of origin, successes and fame to convince people we are trustworthy. We should just simply say, “yes” or “no” and leave it at that. Of course, this includes saying, “no”, even if it makes us unpopular with those around us!.

Jesus wants the promises we speak to be the promises that we keep. And each time we keep one of our promises or commitments we are actually becoming more like Him. And this is His hope for us, that not only our actions, but our words come to shine bright like His – appealing, inspiring, freeing and encouraging to those around us – without the need for embellishment of any kind.

Jesus is perfectly trustworthy. When he says, “yes”, we know he is to be trusted. He has offered us His solemn word that all those who put their faith in Him will be forgiven of their sins, filled with His Spirit and led in a new life of following Him.

Taking Him at his word is called FAITH, and his invitation is to simply say, “Yes”! Not, “Yes, I’ll be the best Christian ever”. Nor, “I’ll never sin again!” But, “Yes, I believe I am who you say I am. You are who you say you are”.

This is the greatest, “yes”, any of us can speak. If you have not said, “yes”, to faith in Jesus, take time to consider if this is what you want. If so, make your own decision to put your faith in Jesus and follow him with your whole life.

You can find some simple guidance on doing this in the Going ‘All In’ section at the beginning of this resource.