When I read this passage this morning I am really convicted about my word. I am convicted not only on the things that I promise God but to the everyday things I promise to others and fail to do.
In my marriage this has been a biggie. I think Jeffrey would agree that I have come a long way in making improvements in this area I would say I would do things around the house and never do them. I would make promises to him and not keep them. There are still some areas I am working on.
With my children, I promise to spend time with them. Work, chores, tiredness and just wanting time for me gets in the way.
With friends I would make promises to call, meet for coffee, and even pray for them and not do it.
With God I would bargain with him. If you do this then I promise to do that. Many times God would provide but I didn't keep up with my end of the bargain. I would promise to tithe, pray, be in the word, help others, stop doing a certain thing, etc.
Over the years I have learned that my word is so important. Keeping my word to both God and man is a reflection of my character, my intentions and it is a measure of what is important to me.
Pharaoh didn't keep his word. Miracle after miracle and he still made empty promises.
What messages are you sending the people in your life about the promises you are making and not keeping? What messages are you sending to God when you promise to make changes but never really do?
A few years ago I started with a small change in the way I keep promises. I vowed to actually pray for people when I told them I would. I know this sounds small but so many times I would say "I will be praying for you" and never do it. Now, I will pray for them right then and there. If it is face to face or over the phone I pray for them there in that moment. I have gotten texts from close friends while I was in the middle of a lesson at school. I will simply silently lift their name up in prayer to God. Right then and there. No waiting. No giving myself a chance to forget.
What can you do today to keep your promises to the people who are important to you? What have you been promising God that you can do right now?
Not tomorrow.
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