My Yes Can Be Trusted
Matthew 5:33, 37
PLAN OF THE DAY
Trust is the currency of the job site. I will build trust by verifying before I speak.
READ MATTHEW 5:33,37
“You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, “When you make a vow, you must not break your promise. Keep the vows that you make to the Lord.’ Say only ‘yes’ if you mean ‘yes’ and say only ‘no’ if you mean ‘no.’ If you say more than that, it is from the evil one
My Yes Can Be Trusted
Ambiguity is a killer. “I think so,” and “pretty much” are dangerous phrases. When we are dealing with high voltage, pressurized lines, or suspended loads, we don’t have the luxury of guessing.
Jesus’ command to let our Yes be Yes is often taught as a lesson against lying or swearing oaths. But on the job site, it is the foundation of Operational Discipline. It means that our words must match reality.
We talk about Critical Steps — those moments where, if you get it wrong, there is no recovery. A Lockout/Tagout verification is a critical step. When a mechanic asks, “Is that breaker locked out?” and you answer “Yes,” you are issuing a guarantee that lives depend on. If you say “Yes” because you assume it’s done, or because you don’t want to look slow, you are introducing a failure into the system.
The Evil One, as the verse says, thrives in confusion and half-truths. A job site that runs on God’s principles runs on clarity. A No is just as valuable as a Yes. Saying “No, I haven’t checked that yet” or “No, I don’t understand the plan” requires courage, but it stops the job long enough to make it safe.
Strip the maybe out of your vocabulary. If you haven’t put your eyes on it, the answer is “I don’t know — let’s go look.” Let your communication be as solid as the concrete you pour.
Faith in Action
Witnessing through our work means living these principles where we stand. Here is how you can apply this devotional today:
For the Laborer and Apprentice: The Courage to Say “I Don’t Know”
The Action: If a foreman asks if you understand the task and you are 90% sure but 10% unclear, say ‘No’.
The Witness: You demonstrate trustworthiness. You value the truth more than looking smart.
For the Journeyman: Confirm, Don’t Assume
The Action: When communicating via radio or hand signals during a crane pick, use Three-Way Communication. Repeat the command back to ensure the Yes was heard and understood correctly.
The Witness: You model discipline. You show the way.
For the Foreman: Reward the No
The Action: If a crew member tells you “No, we aren’t ready to start yet because the permit isn’t signed,” thank them. Do not get frustrated by the delay.
The Witness: You lower the cost of speaking up. You create a culture where honesty is valued over speed and build capacity for safe work.
Prayer
Lord of Truth, guard my tongue today. Keep me from the temptation to bluff or guess when I am unsure. Give me the courage to say No when the conditions aren’t right, and the integrity to ensure that my Yes can be trusted. Make my word a solid foundation for my team. Amen.