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Fidelity.

 

In a world of ever-increasing fragmentation, participation in the Kingdom of God is about growing in fidelity and consistency.

Just as the Torah is the defining thesis in the reclamation project that was Israel, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount was his manifesto on what this New Humanity looks like.

In the 5th chapter of Matthew’s take on the sermon, Jesus shortly addresses the topics of Divorce and Oaths.

Since Jesus’ listeners didn’t understand the compartmentalization of one’s faith that we in the West suffer from, we can be sure that he’s simultaneously addressing several things: relationship with God, relationship with other God-fearers, relationship with the rest of humanity, the things of worship, the things of the Covenant, the mundane things of everyday life…you get the picture. 

So even when surrounding cultures discard marriages on the trash heap, Jesus infinitely ups the ante on the importance of marital fidelity. Why? Because our marriages are the very reflection of God’s relationship with humanity. 

And when other people groups were trying to make their promises and business deals stronger or sound better, they would swear by their god. By being drawn into this pattern of behavior, the Israelites were lessening their dependence on God and increasing their dependence on self. What this looks like is this—to swear by your “god” was a way to make yourself feel better and look better. After all, if you attached God’s promise to it, it must mean that (a) it’s true and (b) God is on your side.

Jesus says in all actuality, attaching the name of something “holy” or significant to your promises or identity was really evil; it quite literally originates from our broken, sinful nature. So whereas it may sound Godly to attach God’s name to your words, you’re in fact losing your fidelity to God. This is because, if you’re honest, it’s about bolstering yourself and not about seeking God. 

Rather, Jesus would have us seek God with all of our hearts. That way, fidelity reigns and we are true to all of our words. Your life will back up your words. Our “yes” can be “yes” and our “no” can be “no” because when you’re seeking God, you’re speaking and acting in righteousness and purity. 

To seek the Kingdom, seek the ways that God’s truth and nature are already on display. Align yourself. 

Let that simplicity and consistency define your life. As a follower of Jesus, you are called to let your pursuit of God remain faithful throughout the everyday, mundane things of life.

Things like your marriage and your work relationships.