October 25, 2020
Politicians often use the runaround, accusations, and dodges to escape answering questions. Instead of giving a genuine answer, we catch them repeating talking points. Practically every politician does it, not just Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, or Independents. So, they make a great example of what not to do–cop a rehearsed answer instead of directly giving an answer. This crazy cross-talk seems to get a pass everyday with a dismissive “Well, that’s just politics.” One misstep and one mispronunciation can create tons of bad context, sound bites, or bad publicity. But how should we behave?
In Matthew 5, Jesus reminds us that it’s not important to make vows or oaths, but to keep your word. Say your “yes,” and make sure you stick to your word.
Our lives should stay “on the record” instead of being “off the record” while only our words are “on record.” So, if we’re made to do good things, that comes from spiritual transformation inside our hearts.
Jesus goes deeper in Matthew 12, when he says this:
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Matthew 12: 33-37 (NLT)
The fruit of who we are (Galatians 5:22) should identify us as Christians. The overflow of a good heart will produce good things in the lives of people around us.
Let’s pursue love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self control.