Being Truthful

Being Truthful God on Monday
Read previous

‘But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all (...). All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matthew 5: 34-37).

Reflection

At a time when honesty and integrity can seem to be lacking, it is good to remember the importance of truth. In Jesus’ day, oaths were being abused. Swearing an oath had become about outward appearance, making grand statements and proclamations for show and to gain influence, not to promote truth.

In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is not saying that oaths are wrong in themselves – elsewhere, the Bible affirms oaths. Jesus is saying that integrity matters. It matters that a person’s ’yes’ and ’no’ mean exactly that.

To be truthful means living with integrity. It means that our public life matches our private life and that our outward persona is not in conflict with our inner life. Integrity is wholeness, and to live truthfully means giving ourselves fully and wholly over to God in every area of our lives. It means living truthfully in our finances, in our work, in our relationships, and in how we talk about others in their absence. We should be credible and believable; we should make good choices; we should be known for being truthful.

God’s plan for our lives is that we become more and more like Jesus. As Jesus is our perfect example of integrity, a key to growing in Christlikeness is to become more truthful. By being true to truth in our everyday lives and in every sphere of influence in which we’re involved, we will reflect the truth of Jesus to those around us.

Response

Take some time to ask God to show you areas of your life where you can grow in truthfulness.

This week take regular opportunities to pause and reflect on your integrity in the various situations in which you find yourself.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you are the truth. Help us to become more like you and to live truthfully in every area of our lives. Let us be known as people of integrity for your glory. Amen.

This Week's Author

Rev. Catherine De Souza, Senior Leader, City Church Cardiff

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

Feel free to share these reflections with your contacts via email and social media.

Hello and welcome to Faith in Business. We hope you enjoy getting to know us!
Click here to see more.

Get Involved

Get involved with Faith in Business

Stimulating and resourcing the business world for over 30 years

Faith in Business’ vision is of business as a force for good, transforming society in a way that expresses the kingdom of God. We encourage and equip Christian business people to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in a demanding workplace context. With an eye on the future, we are especially committed to serving young business leaders.

Faith in Business is active on many fronts. We run an annual retreat, co-publish a quarterly journal, host a monthly webinar, provide topical weekly reflections and facilitate a business prayer network. As a volunteer-led organisation, we'd love you to get involved with us and there are a number of ways you can do this: