Issue #130, May 28, 2014
Recently, as I grappled with the complexity of truthful communication across cultures I was struck with the power of Jesus’ simple statement to his followers: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37). His words call servant leaders from all cultures to make three revolutionary commitments in their speech.
Servant leaders make a commitment to simple speech.
Jesus says, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Jesus’ words remind us that we are called to speak simply. Truthfulness is not complicated. Simple speech does not require big or impressive words to demonstrate how educated we are. Simple speech does not require long explanations. Simple speech does not “beat around the bush” on the way to truth. When our speech is simple, we do not need to try to remember what we told to every person; we simply remember the truth and repeat it whenever necessary. People who tell lies must remember well what they said to each person involved or they will soon be in trouble! It is simpler to speak the truth. If someone tells you, “You talk so simply!” would you take it as a compliment or an insult? Jesus calls us to speech which is simple and servant leaders make every effort to keep it that way. Keep your speech simple!
Servant leaders make a commitment to honest speech.
The power of Jesus’ words is profound, “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Jesus calls His people to be people of absolute honesty. When they say “yes” it means yes! Servant leaders are people of their word; their speech is characterized by honesty. Leaders are often tempted to twist the truth to their own advantage. It is often more convenient to blame someone else for a failure then to admit our own responsibility. It sounds better to inflate the numbers then to give the real figures. When I am behind on a project and my supervisor asks for a report, it is easier to say that everything is “okay” than to report the truth which may make me look bad or cost me my job. Some cultures value relationships more highly than the truth while others value truth more highly than relationships. Servant leaders recognize that neither truth nor love should be compromised. They follow Paul’s advice to speak “the truth in love…” (Eph 4:15). Servant leaders commit themselves to speak with such integrity that no one doubts the truthfulness of a single statement. Keep your speech honest!
Servant leaders make a commitment to minimal speech.
Jesus says that anything beyond a simple “yes” or “no” is not from Him and in fact comes from the “evil one”! In what ways do we go beyond a simple “yes” or “no”? Consider these examples: “Yes, I think I’ll be able to do that.” “I’ll be there at 10:00 AM exactly.” “No, probably not.” “I’m not lying, it actually happened.” “I saw it with my own eyes, I swear.” “Sure, I can do it, but there will be a lot of difficulties so I’m not sure.” If you didn’t notice the “extras” in the statements, take a closer look! Servant leaders make a commitment to not speak more than what is necessary. They recognize the truth of the proverb, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Servant leaders stop with a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Keep your speech short!
For servant leaders, Jesus’ word is the simple truth.
For further reflection and discussion:
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how do I rate as a leader in the area of truthful speech? To what extent do those who follow me see me as a person of my word?
- Would those who follow me describe my speech as simple? Why or why not? In what situations do I tend to exaggerate or complicate my communication?
- In what ways does my culture encourage dishonesty? In what ways has my culture influenced my truthfulness or lack of truthfulness? What do I need to do so that my speech is more influenced by the standards of Jesus then by what is expected from those around me?
- Does my culture value truth or relationships more highly? What recent situation in my leadership illustrates this? What changes does Ephesians 4:15 called me to make?
- In what ways do I often add to a simple “yes” or “no”?
- Of the three commitments mentioned, which is most difficult for me to do with my speech: keep it simple, keep it honest, or keep it short? What step can I take this week to change?