Tuesday, Yr B Sunday between 3-9 July
James 5:7-12 (New International Version)
Patience in Suffering 7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.
“And so, the monsters became bigger than the tallest building in the world and broke off the spire to use as a toothpick.” Scott told his younger, brother, Quinn.
“Really?”
“Really.” Scott nodded assurance.
“Wow. So what did you do?”
“Scott…Quinn” their mom called them to dinner. “Wash your hands.”
“Okay, Mom.” They chorused. Quinn went to the bathroom, while Scott headed to the table. When they began to say the blessing, their mom held both of their hands.
“Scott, you didn’t wash your hands.”
“Yes, I did. I swear.”
“I can tell by the dirt that you didn’t.” Mom turned his hand over in hers and pointed to the smudge of dirt. “Scott, I need you to stop making up stories and don’t swear to something, especially when you are not telling the truth.”
“I’m telling the truth.”
“No, you’re not. There will be consequences for your lies, Scott.” Mom looked at him over her glasses. “No computer games today.”
“Aw, Mom.”
“Scott, I cannot condone your telling me lies and swearing by them. Your integrity is important. When you say you will do something, you need to do it. The Bible tells us ‘let your yes be yes, and your no be no.’ God expects us to be honest.”
“I’m honest.”
“Are you? What did I hear you telling Quinn, earlier?”
“That was just a tall tale, Mom.”
“But when Quinn asked you if it was really true, you told him it was.” His mother eyed him closely.
“Well…” Scott hesitated.
“You mean that story you told me wasn’t true?” Quinn asked.
“Uh…uh…well…”
“You told me a lie.”
“It wasn’t a lie. I was just pulling your leg with a tall tale.”
“But I asked you if it was real and you said it was.” Quinn’s face showed disappointment.
“You see what happens when you aren’t honest?” His mom called over her shoulder while she chopped vegetables for the stew she was making.
“Was the thing you told me yesterday about you riding the unicorn true?” Quinn looked puzzled.
“Well, not exactly. But I swear I didn’t mean to lie.”
“Don’t swear by anything to seem like you are being more truthful. Get in the habit of telling the truth.”
“You’re like the boy who cried ‘Wolf’.” Quinn interrupted. “After he lied, nobody believed him, and nobody is going to believe you.”
“He’s right, Scott.”
“I’m sorry, Mom, Quinn. I’ll do better.”
“I don’t know if I can believe you or not because you haven’t been consistently honest.” His mother stated. “I wish I could believe you.”
“I’m telling the truth, I sw..” Scott stopped.
“That’s a good sign. You caught yourself. I think I believe you might do it.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I’m proud of you.” Scott puffed his chest and sat up straighter as he heard those words and he resolved to truly be better at keeping his word.
Daily Prayer: Gracious God, you hear us when we pray. Thank you for saving us from sin. Forgive us for our faults; our failure to honor the 10 commandments and tell the truth. Inspire us to speak the truth. Help us to honor our promises. We want to honor you in our words and actions. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Memorize: James 5: 12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.
