Yes, No...Maybe So

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus is delivering a sermon on what historians believe to be the Mount of Beatitudes. It is here, Jesus gives humanity some important lessons on living. Lessons on everything like how to be blessed, how to deal with anger, and even how to love our neighbor. Toward the end of the sermon, Jesus addressed the crowd regarding their oaths. According to Merriam-Webster, an oath is “a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words”. On the subject, Jesus said “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37 NIV). 

For those who grew up in the 90’s, you’re probably already thinking of the 1995 Song of the Year hit by George Strait, “Check Yes or No”. In life, there are times when it is easy to check yes or no. Your first date, your first car, or even your first job. Most of these were probably all easy yeses because you had no other options or point of comparison. They were first steps when you were young, daring, and brave. 

However, at some point along the journey of life, things become more complicated, options increase, and the questions get bigger. Questions like do you want to go to college, do you want to buy or rent, or do you want to spend the rest of your life with me kind of questions.

When these questions come, there is hesitation accompanied by a deep breath. A simple yes or no becomes a maybe. A simple yes or no becomes I’m not sure or I don’t know. So what changed? Are you no longer the young, daring, brave person you once were? Are there too many options to choose from? Or are these consequential questions that we’re not ready to commit to out of fear of what we might be saying no to? 

According to Scripture, maybes and uncertainties don’t come from God. Rather, they come from ‘the evil one’. So how do we let our yes be yes and our no be no?

1.Remember who you are.

You may be a little older, a little taller, and a little wiser; but you’re still the young, daring, and brave person you’ve always been. Nothing has changed. So don’t forget who you are.

2.Remember to Lean in and Take Risks

This is easier said than done, but the feeling of riding your bike with no hands on the handle bar, or jumping off the edge of a cliff into the crystal blue waters below is a sensational feeling that offers a reward beyond comprehension. And it’s an experience that you’ll never experience if you never lean in and take the risk.

3.Remember who’s in Control

There are times when it will seem like life has the upper hand. These may be moments in life when it doesn’t work out or go your way. Remember that’s ok because you’re still in control of how you respond and you’re still in control of what you do next. And if you ever feel like it’s out of control, remember that it’s not too big for our God in heaven who “works all things together for our good” (Rom. 8:28).