Matthew chapter 5 verses 33-37 ( NIV) “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the oaths you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. times All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
In chapter 5 of Matthew we read of Jesus saying, at least five ” You have heard that it was said… But I tell you…”
In other words, Jesus was teaching His disciples that although they had previously been taught accepted principles, He was teaching them a different way – one that would make them like Him. He was also teaching them not to make a big song and dance when doing something for God. Don’t make a big thing about promising to do something – just do it.
It’s very easy for us to be swept along by the culture of popular opinion, but we need to remember to put into practice something that we might tell our young people in the church to consider, but sometimes forget to do ourselves – think “what would Jesus do?” If we want to be more like Him we need to act like Him and not worry about what everyone else thinks. We also need to forget the big oaths and solemn promised. It’s far more important to see something through, than to make a promise to do it and then not keep it.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that Jesus’ the teaching is clear and uncomplicated. Help me out to be faithful in not just listening to what Jesus teaches, but to do it without fuss. I ask in His Name. Amen.