In our time we live with a barrage of words that seem to mean less and less. A flood of political opinion fills our screens, flows from 24/7 ‘news’ channels, and is shared on countless podcasts. Pundits tell us how to invest our money, maximize our time use, parent our children, enjoy more intimate relationships, and … well, everybody has an opinion.
James keeps it short and sweet in his inspired words that warn excessive speech. “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.” Otherwise you will be condemned.” (James 5.12)
He repeated what he had learned from Jesus who said it like this – “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath 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. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No;’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5)
As I meditated on that passage in James today, I asked myself
a hard question –
Do I devalue my words by using too many
or by misusing the gift of language trying to create a false “reality?’
Inflation is not just about money it is all around us. How
easily we can slip into a pattern of puffing up ourselves with words that are
less than honest, far beyond a simple “yes” or “no.”
Candidates say things like - "It's so good to be here in NJ, the best
state in the US. I always look forward to visiting beautiful downtown
Newark." The audience politely applauds while thinking, "How many
times have you said that this week?"
Job titles are handed out that mean little in reality but that give the
appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice
presidents there are in banks?
Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines
that avoid legal repercussion.
IF we believe Jesus’ words about truth and authenticity, we will take care to
avoid the trap of word inflation knowing that it isn’t just a ‘little thing
everyone does’ but something that offends the living God.
Christ’s followers should be so authentic, so transparent, that no one even thinks to question the truthfulness of what they say or wonder if there is any need to search for hidden messages. Take another look at the wisdom of James from a paraphrase of the Bible called ‘The Message.’ "Since you know that God cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you."
Let’s pay attention to what we say.
Have I developed a habit of word inflation, even in the little stuff?
When I repeat a story do I accurately reflect or shade the report to favor my
own point of view?
When I speak of myself do my words give life or death to others?
Does that way that I use language always shine the favorable light on ME?
Even though I encourage us to aim for honesty I do NOT mean that we should, in
the name of being real, take the liberty to say hurtful, mean, or ugly
things! There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes
the best words are no words.
Honor the Lord by refusing all forms of puffery, dishonesty,
and fluff!
Refuse to cultivate an image.
Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be, nothing more, nothing
less.
I pray that we will follow Paul’s example when he was challenged by false
teachers who exaggerated their resumes. He declares – “Rather,
we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor
do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth
plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 5.2)
Can I get an amen?
