In an effort to improve their search engine results, Google has been increasing emphasis on the authorship of blog posts and deemphasizing methods that have allowed people to trick their way to the top of the results. This is good because we can have more confidence that the content is from honest effort and not rigged to sell advertising.
God is looking for his followers to build that same kind of recognition. When James said to “let your yes be yes and your no be no” (James 5:12) he wasn’t just worried about correcting a habit of making idle oaths. It is possible to build a reputation among our peers so that we will be taken at our word.
When Jesus gave the same instruction, (Matthew 5:33-37) he was talking to folks who had circumvented the 9th commandment to the point they could tell lies without remorse. Can you imagine trying to function day-to-day where people would require you to swear an oath before believing anything you say?
Solomon said that a fly spoils the ointment (Ecclesiastes 10:1) as does each impure action to our reputations. Those who live in a way that builds a great reputation do not have to worry about any prohibition against taking an idle oath. They have the freedom to speak using the faith and credit of their word.
Daily Bible reading for November 1
Psalm 92
2 Kings 1
Zechariah 5
James 4:11-5:12
November 1, 2013
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