It is not unusual for me to get someplace a few minutes early. Remember, I was raised in a military family, so “hurry up and wait” was not an unheard of philosophy. I sat down and ordered some iced tea as I mentally prepared for what I would say and how I would express myself to this person. By the time the clock struck the hour, I had been over the scenario several times. I turned my attention to the window anticipating their arrival. About 15 minutes later I noticed the “motor” in my leg was going and anxiety had started to build. I was on my third glass of tea and the caffeine had kicked in. Over the following 15 minutes the anxiety turned to anger due to my limited time schedule. I won’t tell you what I was thinking about the other person. Over the next half hour, the anger subsided, I felt foolish, and began to wonder why this person would stand me up. At that point I felt like everyone in the restaurant, especially the waitress, was tuned in. I could feel the heat of my flushed face. I was embarrassed.
At some point in our lives, we all have someone make promises they intentionally or unintentionally do not keep. They have either not been taught the value of their words or simply do not care. In either case the impact on others can be frustrating and in some cases debilitating. The dictionary defines “promise” with words like pledge and assurance. It communicates the idea that there is a reason for hope and ground for expectations. However, in today’s society, many pride themselves in their ability to be so vague that they cannot be held accountable. You can see this in everything from politics and marriage vows to the completion of a promised task or one’s ability to arrive someplace when they say they will. In 1732 Thomas Fuller, a collector of adages and quotes, penned this in his book Gnomologia: “A Man apt to promise is apt to forget.” It has become an American proverb.
I am communicating this concept to you today because of its importance. I present it to you because of the impact your words have on other’s perception of you. I submit to you that your character or lack of it will be determined on how you view a promise. Being truthful is the foundation of mutual confidence between two people and the sole bond of a social relationship. If you break your word or conveniently forget, you have become a liar and sin when it pertains to your moral obligations. Emanuel Strauss wrote the following in his book, A Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs: “The promise of a good man becomes a legal obligation.” We see that used frequently in our court system, but we see it less in everyday life. If you are a believer, why should our word hold less value than a binding contract?
The God we love and serve is a God of truth. In Hebrews 6:17 – 19 it says this: “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” If we are to emulate Christ, we should keep our word, regardless of whether it seems of little or great consequence. I assure you if you don’t do the small things, you will not be offered larger opportunities. I think is says that in Matthew 25:21, 23.
Love Dad