I believe that one of the things that makes our lives better is being challenged. That has happened in a variety of ways since the last time I posted on this blog and I guess this post is a result of being challenged as well; to chronicle all the things in our lives that make a difference and can end up being a challenge to others to cause them to excel. So thanks to all those who have challenged me lately.
One area of challenge in my life is to do what I say I will do. Large or small, our word is (should be) our bond. If we say we will accomplish something then we need to do it. Even if it is difficult. In our world today it seems that it is less and less important for a man to keep his promise, his bond. Let's see what the Bible has to say about this, especially for those who proclaim to be a Christian.
Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals (fruitful seed) inside of us. Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord! What kind of Christian walk does the Lord desire us to have? Is keeping one's word really important or do we have the right to alter and change it? Does the world respect people who break their promises? A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship. Trust and respect as well as one's honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord. He expects us to keep our word, (vow, oath) to others as well!
God doesn't accept altering promises!
When you give your word to someone you are also giving it unto the Lord. The Lord teaches us in the Bible that we must not go back on our promises even if we have to pay a higher price to keep them. Our promises are taken seriously and we will be held accountable for them. Changing our minds is not acceptable to the Lord! Lev 27:9-10
A man shall NOT break his word
Moses, being directed of God, told people that they must keep their promises. A person's word is just the same as a written legal contract in the eyes of God. People who by their own free will have given a vow to do something must keep their word! Only a child's broken promises can be overruled by a parent, but even then correction must be made by the parent to teach the child about keeping one's word. Numbers 30: 3-8
A broken promise is a sin and will be judged by the Lord. God punishes the wicked!
God requires Christians to keep their word no matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it may become. Our word is enough to bind us before God as a promise to someone. Many times promises involve sacrifices out of our comfort zones. If you promised something just by saying you would do it then God expects you to do it to the "best of your ability" as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself.
We can't just confess the sin of breaking a promise and think we can go our merry way thinking that we no longer are accountable. As long as you are still able to fulfill your word (even if it's uncomfortable and you don't want to) you need to go to that person, repent of your sin and make amends by keeping your promise. Can you really come into the presence of God knowing that you refuse to keep your word? What kind of relationship can you have with the Lord if your are able to keep your word and don't? Lev. 5:4-5
Words reveal to the world and to God how honest we are
Speak words that are pleasing to God and act with honor upon the promises made. If you have promised something and back out of it then deep hurt can be left behind. This grieves the Holy Spirit and can cause a wound that may last a lifetime. We are never to hurt anyone of the Lord's children and when we do then there is a price to be paid. Can anyone truly stand before Jesus knowing that they hurt someone and not feel convicted? I can't, can you?
God never breaks His word nor does He give us the right to break ours James 3:9-10
Just by saying you “will” do something, you have “given your word!”
People will come to respect you and follow your lead if you are honest. Always be truthful saying what you mean and meaning what you say! Honor your word so that it will be right before the Lord. Integrity, honor and respect is the reward for keeping one's word. Let's all remember to live up to the high standards that the Lord has set before us. Matt: 5:37
