PROMISES

Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33

“…The Lord said to Abram, ‘Look as far as you can see in every direction.  I am going to give all this land to you and your offspring as a permanent possession.’ …Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith.”

“I say, don’t make any vows…. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’  Your word is enough.”

When God wanted to be understood on earth, He sent His Word – Jesus Christ.  It should come as no surprise, then, that God views even our words very seriously.  If we are to represent Christ, our words have to be believed, and if we don’t mean it, we just shouldn’t say it. 

“Let’s do lunch.”  “I’ll pray for you.”  “I’ll write or call soon.”  But I don’t.  Ouch!  What else needs to be said? 

Just this: people who cannot be relied on have a tough time being disciples.  Testimony from unreliable witnesses never legitimately presents God’s Word.  Yet, we are called to be disciples.  Conclusion: integrity matters!  God wants our words to be consistent with His Word.