Our scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 6:16 where God inspired the author to write,"For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end to every dispute."
With one hand on the bible, it used to be common for all witnesses testifying in courtrooms across America to swear an oath "to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God". There was a genuine sense that in doing so the person would tend to be more truthful in their testimony. They were swearing to tell the truth, not only in the sight of the judge and jury but in the sight of God. Being a man or woman of your word was honorable.
I have worked in the court system for over twenty years and men no longer swear this oath. I'm sure there are still some jurisdictions in our country where men still swear this oath of truthfulness, but it is becoming more and more rare. Perhaps it is due to "political correctness" or the wrongful "separation of church and state" teaching that has been triumphed in our nation's institutions. Now men simply swear an oath to tell the truth and do not swear by the One greater than themselves. I am reminded that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and read in Psalm 108:4, "For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the skies." May we continue to fear the "God of truth".
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