November 14, 2022 -- Matthew 5:37 -- Really Real for Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”;
anything more than this comes from evil.
Matthew 5:37 ESV

The character trait in focus today is “being real”. This in contrast to being phony. One who is real is honest in all his dealings with others. He does not need to make extravagant oaths to verify what he says, because what he says he means, and he carries out. He is trustworthy in this. He is honest about his feelings and circumstances.

Addicts are by nature phony. To maintain one’s addiction and one’s place within a circle of family or friends one had to lie, to exaggerate, and intentionally mislead others. When the power of Christ breaks the hold of addiction, this manipulative behavior is exposed. Being phony is second nature to the addict, so it must be addressed and cut out of one's life.

As those who are breaking free from the tyranny of sin and darkness, it is critical that you be real in your conversations and open about your joys and your struggles. Being real allows fellow Christians to minister to your soul. Being real keeps you humble and open to their ministry. The people around you will be prepared to be vulnerable to you also and together you can mutually submit your lives to Christ in the power of His Spirit Who leads believers in the grace of the Father.

Being real can be exhausting. Many people around you will know much about your life. Truly sharing the deep things of your life should happen in the context of a few trusted Christian friends who can ask you anything and whom you can hold completely accountable as well. Beyond this, cultivate more accurate responses to questions like “how are you?” A flippant answer “fine” when you are not fine is phony. But a fifty-sentence response is not helpful either. A simple answer like: “It is a rough day. I’m trusting in God’s grace” is appropriate. A concise reply, grounded in your faith, answers the questioner gives opportunity to follow up or conclude that exchange. Most importantly, you are learning to be real in your prayer with God, Who sees your heart and life and circumstances and invites you to be to fully open to Him so that He will hear and answer your prayers.

O LORD our Lord, Your grace and goodness have flowed to every broken place in the believer's heart. You are great and holy. Thank You for the great healing You have given believers in Jesus' precious Name! By the Spirit of Truth help Your people to be real so that true healing and genuine community can be forged from these lives formerly ruined by sin and lies. Thank You, Father, for Your lovingkindness and great patience, working out Your purposes with precision and tenderness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ZIeXAqtvV8U
Living for Jesus
 

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.