Scripture: James 5:12
Most important, my brothers and sisters, never make a solemn pledge—neither by heaven nor earth, nor by anything else. Instead, speak with a simple “Yes” or “No,” or else you may fall under judgment.
Thought for the Day: There are so many passages in scripture that leave a person asking, “What was the real issue behind those words?” This is one of those passages. I feel confident in saying that James was responding to some specific conflict that had come to his attention. We could make some wild guesses in regard to what it might have been, but there is a pretty good chance that we’d be completely wrong. With that said, his words here might have been spoken to specific people because of a specific situation, but they can still speak to us and with both authority and purpose. I might be over simplifying things, but in a world where employers, politicians and other people of power have mastered the techniques of spin and half-truth, it is beautiful to see where people tell it how it is even when it is uncomfortable. Now there are clearly times when things are not black & white, cut & dry. Yet once again, it is beautiful to witness people expressing the complexity of an issue and to show understanding of how others might come to a different perspective. Once again, James has a lot to say to us even though he originally was not speaking to us.
Prayer: Whenever it is possible, I wish to speak with clarity, authenticity, integrity and accuracy. Help me, O Lord, to remove my ego and insecurities from a conversation. Allow for me to speak rightly and honestly, but with respect to the fact that I do not know all things – and others may know better. Let me live my life in such a way that people think of me as a truthful person. Amen.
