Devotion 10 July 2026

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No”.  James 5:12

READING: Matthew 5: 34-37

We are to be people of integrity.

In our interactions with others we should embrace directness and simplicity, instead of trying to manipulate and persuade others with promises. A simple, honest way of living not only creates harmony, but also reflects the grace and love of Christ to anyone who may be observing our lives.

The Message transcribes this passage from Matthew in modern idiom, as: "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.

Do we possess that simple honesty?

We probably all would avoid a blatant lie. But do we sometimes say something or make a promise we actually don’t have any intention to fulfil? Do we make promises just to shut people up? Agree to complete a report by Monday when we have no intention of working over the weekend? Promise to never again lose your temper? Accept an invitation to attend a function whilst already planning how to make your excuses?

These may be silly, seemingly harmless examples, but these little opportunities to embrace integrity add up. How can we expect ourselves to show integrity in the more serious and scary scenarios when we can’t show it in the little things?

What would our world look like if we were people of such deep integrity that we kept our promises and never tried to manipulate others? What if the Church was known as the most honest, reliable group on earth? What would our businesses, our homes and relationships look like if we really could be taken at our word?

What a difference that would make in the world.

Prayer

Lord, please make me pure of heart. May the truth that You place in my heart be the basis of my actions and my words. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the ultimate example of how to live with integrity. I trust you to come to my help as I commit to pursuing a life of integrity. In Jesus name, Amen