Daily Devotion: Credibility

Bible Reading:  Matthew 5:33-42 

Key Verse: Verse 37 - “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”

Key Words: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay

March 11, 1942, was a dark desperate, day in the Pacific Theater.  The atmosphere was dark and bleak; and the threat of war loomed overhead, the enemy now marching toward the Philippines as confident as the star band in the Rose Bowl Parade.  Surrender for our soldiers was inevitable.  The brilliant and bold soldier, Douglas MacArthur, had only three words for his comrades as he stepped into the escape boat destined for Australia, “I shall return.”

Yes, arriving nine days later in Adelaide, MacArthur remarked, “I came through, and I shall return.”

A little over two and one-half years later, October 20, 1944, to be exact, he stood again on Philippine soil after landing safely at Leyte Island.  This is what he said, “This is the voice of freedom, General MacArthur speaking.  People of the Philippines, I have returned!”  MacArthur kept his word.  His word was indeed his bond.  This was a rare breed of man, almost extinct today.

Let me ask you, do you believe what the used car salesman is telling you?  Why not?  Do you believe what the mechanic is saying?  Why not?  Why do we get second opinions from doctors?  Do you believe what pastors say?  It is called a lack of credibility.

Jurors often have reason to doubt the testimony of the witness.  Parents doubt the word of their children.  Teachers doubt the word of their class.  The class doubts the word of the teacher.  The child doubts the word of his parents.  Credibility!!!

Note what the Scriptures say.  Ephesians 4:25, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”  John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

When you reply, “Yes, I will pray for you,” do you?  When you say, “I’ll be there at a particular time,” are you?  When you promise a commitment, do you fulfill it?  It is called credibility!  Let us be credible people.  Amen!

What to do:
    ✞ Daily practice doing what you say you will do.

    ✞ If you are prone to forget your commitments, always   remember -- a note pad and a short pencil are better than a long memory.

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