As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Prayer: Upside-down Kingdom guide (English/Spanish). In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2022 in prayer together.
Day 8: Oaths
Matthew 5:33-37
33“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
As of today, what all do you own? If you were to make a quick inventory, what would be on that list? Shoes? Clothes? Phone? Maybe even a car or a home? Think about it again. Do you really own these things?
A friend unexpectedly passed away recently. He was relatively young and healthy, and his passing was a complete shock to everyone. At his memorial service, I listened to story after story of the kind of man he was. He was generous, he was genuine, and through his faith he is now forever with Jesus. But all his stuff remained right where he had left it. None of it went with him.
A pastor, mentor and friend of mine often reminds me, “What we think we own is really just on loan. Even our breath is borrowed. We are simply managers.” To put it in biblical terms, naked we came into this world, naked we will leave. We came from dust, and we will return to dust. The whole universe is God’s and everything in it, including you.
Jesus is brilliant at not just telling us what to do, but rather, how to think. Think like a steward. Manage well what belongs to the Owner. And what you can actually own is your integrity and character. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.
Prayer
Father, give me wisdom to discern all that belongs to you in this life. May I manage what you have entrusted me with in a way that honors you. Help me to own my integrity and character. Holy Spirit, reveal any area in which my life lacks integrity. Guide me in building a life that aligns with what I say and do in every area, even when you alone are watching. Amen.
