Doing Right vs. Not Doing Wrong

Scripture: All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

Observation: As Jesus teaches about the true meaning of the law, he gets to a discussion about oaths. The teaching is simple ... if you "swear an oath" the implication is that, when you are making a declaration that you are not swearing to, you could lie. In other words, by swearing an oath you are stating 'THIS time I'm telling the truth, I really mean it.'

When we decide we will prove our obedience to the Lord on a case-by-case basis, there arises a very clear conflict, which is the idea that proving compliance only in selected events makes it clear we are not complying other times. Perhaps more accurately, when someone "swears" to something they are declaring they are removing the future choice to violate their word, and therefore if they don't swear it is because they want to keep that choice available. Even if they comply with their promise, the fact they wanted to keep an 'out' is an issue.

In fact, this is what many of the elements of this section of the sermon on the mount is about ... how evil works in our hearts when we believe we have options about whether or not to be good. This applies to oaths, revenge, lust, divorce, and even violence. When we know the right thing to do and we do it, yet we keep ourselves open to perhaps making a different decision in the future as circumstances evolve, then we are really not doing the right thing now ... we are just not doing the wrong thing.

In my logical mind, I can make the case that "not doing wrong" is what compliance with the Lord's instructions looks like. Perhaps this is because of how the law is written, when we are told "don't do x" we just avoid doing x. This is the difference Jesus introduces because he tells us "do y" instead, and y is ... love others. It is also why the greatest of the commandments isn't part of the ten commandments, but is to "love the Lord your God."

Application: The Lord wants me to do what is right, not to just avoid doing what is wrong. Avoiding what is wrong isn't just "minimal compliance", but it is failure to comply because the Lord's instructions for my life is active. The instruction isn't "don't hate others", it is to love others, and when I love them I won't hate them as a byproduct of that love.

Likewise, the instruction isn't really "don't lie", it is "tell the truth". The instruction isn't really "don't curse", it is "speak kindly and gently". The instruction isn't really "don't lust", it is "honor your wife" and "respect others". The instruction isn't really "don't get angry", it is "live in peace". The instruction isn't really "don't be afraid", it is "trust in the Lord".

I need to start actively doing what is right, instead of trying to just avoid doing what is wrong.

Prayer: Lord, your teaching is so good and true. It is amazing to think that we have the ability to listen to the wisdom of the Lord and live a life you would teach us. Please forgive me when I fail to do so, and when I ignore your wisdom. May I fill my life with doing what you would have me do every day. Amen.