The Promise Keeper

 

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20 ESV).

 

While God can do anything, He will not break His promises. We are living in a world that thrives on falsehood and deception. This worldly culture that surrounds us despises and rejects truth. In the last few years, global multinational corporations were exposed for deception and corruption. Even world-famous accounting films were caught falsifying reports. In many countries, surveys show that broadcast and print media are consistently ranked least trusted institutions in society. No wonder Isaiah cries out, "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street" (Isaiah 59:14). And because truth is fallen in the street, we constantly assume that ungodly people are predisposed to lie and cheat us. The loss of truth causes people everywhere to become skeptical, cynical and untrusting. Sometimes we even doubt the veracity of God.

 

However, we can trust God. A believer must learn to love truth and communicate truth when he or she makes a promise. This is the very character of God, He is Truth and He communicates truth to us. Because God's Word is His bond, our word must be our bond! The Bible says, "It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows" (Proverbs 20:25). Jesus says, Let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No." For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).

Many Christians conveniently excuse themselves from the commitments they verbally make. Keep your promises to your spouse, your children, your friends, and, your God! Remember, your word is your bond. Keeping your promises witnesses to the nature and character of God alive in you. Just as He keeps His promises, we should determine to do so. I wonder what a difference in our world this simple intention would make if we all kept our promises and our words were truth? Of course it’s not an easy task, but it is within our ability to accomplish.