Matthew 21:30 Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
Jesus elucidated the nature of two groups of people who were responding to His preaching and teaching with the parable in Matthew 21:28-32. There was a man with two sons. He said to the first one to go and work in the vineyard. The son refused but later he changed his mind and went. Similarly, he said to the second son to work in the vineyard. The second son accepted the father’s command with a ready “yes sir” but did not go.
In this parable we see a group of difficult people who say “Yes Sir” almost before we finish the statement or share an idea but do not have their mind or heart to it. When people oppose, question or confront even though it is unpleasant we can make a meaningful discourse to decipher the content of our message but it is not so with the “Yes-Addicts”. These are people who are “super-positive” and “super-supportive” but they let us down when we rely on them. The difference between “People Pleasers” and “Yes-Addicts” is that “People-Pleasers” would go the extra mile and deliver what they have overcommitted. On the contrary, “Yes-Addicts” would just conveniently forget about what they committed. It is also important to note that it is the “Yes-Addicts” who bicker, gloat or grouch behind our backs.
Jesus used this analogy to distinguish the ‘genuine’ from the ‘fake’ followers. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away (Luke 8:13). Our faith, fervor, and faithfulness is tested by our effective execution of God’s Word not by our enthusiasm.
Three hazards of empty promises by “Yes-Addicts”:
- Assure: “Yes-Addicts” get entangled with phony promises to both God and man. They promise to fail! When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow (Ecclesiastes 5:4). The addiction to say “yes” without thinking can become diabolical when they vow to the Lord and forget about it. It becomes like a boulder and a barricade to their progress. Remove the barrier of unfulfilled promises to God and to men.
- Authenticate: “Yes-Addicts” never validate their forged agreements. They go with the crowd and shake their heads, raise their hands or vote in favour but their hearts are far away from endorsement. Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Validate your words, promises and agreements.
- Award: “Yes-Addicts” are short sighted, greedy and avaricious for short term benefits. Awards in Heaven are accumulated by what is done in secret and not by the number of followers on instagram or supporters in a public forum. “Yes-Addicts” seek publicity, popularity and prominence that have no value in eternity. Jesus vouched all offerings to be in private. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:4). The currency that testifies character is trustworthiness.
Faithfulness, truthfulness, honesty and reliability are character traits that bring long standing rewards and transcend from earth to eternity.
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.
Prayer: Father of Mercy, may my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no”. Give me the Grace, Graciousness and Politeness to be true and authentic in all my promises. Amen.
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