Di Bassinga Diaries: 'Yes', 'No', and Nothing Else...

"Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything else comes from evil." This verse is apart of a section, in the Sermon on the Mount, about oaths, and it stands out to me as especially profound, even in it's simplicity. We've just been told not to swear by heaven, or earth, or a hair on our head -- that list could certainly go forever. What we're left with is something much simpler: 'Yes' or 'No'. There's a powerful message in that idea.

We're often caught up in the intricacies of our emotions and feelings, and we get caught either over-committing or under-committing. I think that we ought to leave the details to God, that we need to turn our focus away from the overwhelming details and towards Christ. "What does that mean, though?" Well, it all points back to your relationship with Christ (or with your friends, your family, even yourself). If this potential commitment is going to hinder your relationship, whether it's because it's clearly sinful or bad for you, or might lead to sin, or if you're simply on empty and need to recuperate, then say 'no' and leave it that. If the potential commitment will strengthen your relationship with Christ (or your friends, your family, etc.), then say 'yes' and leave it at that. I think that the issue here is one of unnecessary justification of our choices and actions. Once anything else --"but, everyone else is going", or "I'm afraid it might go wrong", or "one time won't hurt that much"-- enters the conversation, we get lost overcomplicating a matter with thoughts that undermine our greatest priorities.

Over the summer, I'd started this habit of going to a coffeeshop in the mornings, and reading my Bible and journaling there -- even inviting others to join and have conversation. I quickly realized that this was a habit that I wanted to (and needed to) hang on to. A lot of my fondest moments (both with friends and with Christ) happened at these 8am coffee runs. And it didn't need to be coffee, I could go sit by a pond or amongst the trees or even at a friend's house, but I knew that getting up and out of my house for the purpose of spending time with God was (and is) something that I absolutely needed. I made a commitment that, whenever the possibility presented itself, I'd get out and find a place to go and read the Word, rain or shine. The only thing that would keep me away was a dangerously low amount of sleep or other plans or commitments that I needed to respect. Long story short, I'd said yes to what was good for me and left it at that.

"How does that affect me?" Well, we've all got things that we ought to be doing, and ought not to be doing, or that would be beneficial (or hurtful) to do. All of us, every day, usually multiple things a day. In my experience, accepting or rejecting commitment comes much easier when you remember your priorities and commit to keeping those at the forefront of your mind. Once you've done this, the only thing you've got to say is 'yes' or 'no'.

Verses to Look Back On:

Matthew 5:33-37

Matthew 6:25-34

Romans 12:2