Daily Devotional

A lot of damage is done because words are just that ... words. They hold no substance and no truth, not even when sworn by everything under the sun. James spoke simply, "Let your yes be yes and your no, no." In other words, do not lie and do not make commitments that you cannot keep.

If you know that there is a slim chance that you cannot fulfil your word then be honest about it. A false promise does much more damage than you saying, "You know what, I will make sure that I visit you again shortly." And then time passes and the person never hears from you again.

What James is asking for here, and what God is looking for, are men and women of integrity. Just as much as you trust your bank with your money, people must be able to trust you. Similes for integrity include perfection, soundness, completeness and simplicity. Integrity represents a sincerity of your heart. Yes, by your integrity people determine the condition of your heart.

Integrity is fundamental to true character. Integrity talks about commitment — when you say something to somebody, you bind yourself to those words. Your words determine who you are. And once you are branded a liar or a person who does not keep to their word, it is difficult to change that perception.

Be a child of integrity — a person that people will say, "If you never want to be disappointed, speak to James, he always keeps his word." God wants you to be a child of light in this dark world. We should not be adding to the darkness but we should be making a difference by shining our light — that same Light that is called the Truth.