I laugh a bit thinking on this, reminded of my coaching days at the elementary level. When trying to get to the bottom of a conflict between two students, I always had a pretty good idea of who was bearing false witness because the perpetrator would elaborately and extensively vow to their innocence, “I swear I didn’t do it!”. Seriously though, while vowing is not culturally a part of our daily life, yes’s and no’s are. When I was young, I would often hastily say yes to something because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, occasionally even knowing full well that I did not intend to keep that commitment! As we embrace God transforming us into the image of Christ, integrity is a big deal. God is holy and pure…deceit is not in Him. If you find that you have a tendency to commit to things and not follow through, or deny doing something that you’ve actually done, ask God why you do that. Is it like me, you hate to disappoint someone? Or could it be that you have a careless, irresponsible attitude about giving your word? Invite God to take a deep dive into your why’s and ask His help in making the change.
“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows!...Just say a simple, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”
Matthew 5: 33-34,37 NLT
“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.”
Proverbs 12:22