Bible Reading: Job 35; James 5:11-20
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” James 5:12 (KJV)
One of the major differences we see between the Christians of old and those of today is Truthfulness. In the past, once you say you are a Christian, your words are taken as gospel truth and you would not knowingly tell a lie. But what do we see today? There is hardly any difference between Christians and non- believers now on truthfulness.
Some years ago while I was a banker, there were two Christians who were workers in their church. In fact the senior of both was even a Minister in their church! And these men were in charge of their company’s treasury. They were given the responsibility of placing their company’s money in banks at good interest rate to the company. But what did they do? They placed the money with banks and took a commission out of the interest intended to be paid to their employers. It was such that if the interest rate on the money was ten percent, they would ask that eight per cent be paid to the company and two percent to them. What made it more annoying was that these “Christians” would sometimes pray in tongues for those who took their commission (bribe) to them! When the bank officials got back to the bank they would make jest of these Christians. How do you expect such Christians to prove to others that Christianity is a better way of life?
Many Christians have caused several others to fall as their ways of life were being used to judge either the faith or others! For a child of God, your “Yes” should be “Yes” and “No” should be “No” as stated in James 5:12 KJV: “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
If all Christians live in accordance with biblical standards, the world would have been a better place because we would be able to influence the world positively. While most Christians are not living up to the dictates of the bible, you can choose to be different and impact your community positively.
Prayer: Father, help me to live a life in total obedience to your word in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero