“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.” – Matthew 5:37

I had the opportunity to visit the famous death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau during a recent preaching tour in Poland. These camps became known as a symbol of terror and genocide. A moderate estimation of 1.5 million people perished in those camps. Jews from all over Germany, Poland, Austria, and many other countries were deceived by the Nazi’s promises of new beginnings, better living circumstances and job opportunities. So, when the time came to pack up, they packed their best clothing, jewelry, and all their most valuable possessions. However, they soon realized that their so called ‘new beginnings’, were just a life of imprisonment, hard work, slavery, torture and death in gas chambers.

When the Jews arrived at the Auschwitz Camp, they saw the inscription ‘Arbeit Mach Frei’ (“Work will make you free”) on the entrance gate. However, their reality was a life of imprisonment, confined to barracks that housed 1,000 people each. The Jews slept on paper beds, ate a diet of 1,500 calories a day, and were forced to do hard labor and work. When the Jews arrived at the Birkenau Camp, after their long journey by train, they were promised that they would receive a nice shower and some warm soup. However, following their shower, they were taken to the gas chambers. The Germans were masters of deceit and shattered all remains of hope. The Jews excitedly prepared for a new life but faced great sorrow when they met with the tragic reality. The Germans lied.

We all know people who have made promises to us, that they did not keep. Some even said:” I swear,” or “this is the truth.” They said one thing but meant another. As Christians, we must keep true to our word. Our ‘yes’ must be ‘yes’, and our ‘no’ must be ‘no’. According to Jesus, if we conclude a contract with another or bind ourselves with a promise, we must keep our word. Our word is our honor. Our lives should be marked with total integrity and commitment to what we have said or promised. The way we do things, from business to family, should resonate with how Jesus would have done it. We might not think that our dishonesty can be compared to that of the German authorities. However, God sees the root of sin, even though the result of our sin may vary, it remains the same in the sight of the Lord. God also understands the impact of sin and lies on the lives of people, no matter how big or small it may be. God longs for a people who would be true to Who He is and justly represent His truths on earth. We are to do what we say we will do (Psalm 15:4). Have you kept your promises?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times that I have not kept my word or promises. Please help me to keep my word at all times. Amen