Oaths

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.” (Matthew 5:33-37)

When we swear an oath or make a pledge, we must meet our obligation be it a marriage vow or one taken when assuming a public office.  "I pledge alliance to the flag of the United States of America…” is one important commitment many of us set aside because we are not really united as a nation on so many issues that dominate the headlines. The pledge continues “…one nation under God…” Are we?  

Furthermore, do we let our ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and our ‘No’ mean ‘No?’  Or, do we mislead, even lie, and falsely swear we will tell the truth?  If the latter, then we belong to the Evil One.  He makes our bed and we lay in it, and willingly.  Being the Father of all lies, he appreciates our cooperation and support for his agenda.

Deacon David Pierce