Day 31 - Truthful Words

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.'  But I tell you, 'Do not swear 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.  Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No;' anything beyond this comes from the evil one.  Matthew 5:33-37

This study reminded me of a time I was challenged on my word while I was in college.  I was a leader in one college ministry on campus, but I wanted to join another college ministry on campus, which would mean I needed to step down from my ministry role.  I had talked to the campus leader about this decision and he brought this scripture to me.  I made the decision to finish out my ministry leadership role due to the fact that I had already made the commitment to do so.  This is a lesson I have learned and kept throughout my entire Christian walk since.

God also spoke to me about being more transparent with my close friends about the things I struggle with.  He is challenging me to open everything up inside to allow His work to be completed.  I tend to be a strong person that doesn't share very many of my thoughts and/or struggles.

Despite this countenance of strenght, I carry around way too many insecurities that need to go.  I am fearful that I will show weakness - my humanity.  I will appear flawed and be thought of as less.  But, God is strongly dealing with me in these areas to remind me that no matter what I do, I can't make Him love me any less or any more than He already does!

Today's Dare - speak truthfully to all people all the time.  Never swear on anything.  Tell the truth at all times, no matter what.