Integrity

This morning we look at the third and fourth parts of this section where Jesus deals with divorce and oaths. Though each of these sections stand on their own and they certainly could deserve to be treated individually, I want to emphasize at least one think that links these two parts – Integrity. Integrity, which can be defined as a honesty and consistency in what we say and what we do, is not just important for adults but for children. Charles Colson wrote, “The three most important ingredients in Christian work are integrity, integrity, integrity.” Proverbs 22:1a states, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches…” What price can be put upon individual integrity and also the integrity that a local church might have? It is something that takes your entire life to develop and something that can be lost in a moment. And so the words here of Jesus follow very well his previous words concerning lust.
We will look at verses 31-37 in two parts:

1. Jesus condemns unlawful divorce (v. 31-32)
2. Jesus condemns twisted words and oaths (v. 33-37)