Keeping Promises The days have passed when a handshake sealed a promise to purchase something or perform an activity.  Today, we seldom find anyone who is willing to risk their finances or efforts without the benefit of a signed contract, which describes all the terms and conditions of the agreement. Even with written and signed agreements, there are times when a party will not follow through with their obligations. Everyday interactions spark promises that may prove to be difficult to keep. “I’ll be praying for you,” said Patty as she gave her friend a hug and left.  As she got in her car, Patty looked at her watch and gasped.  Oh my!  I didn’t realize it was so late.  I’ll barely get home in time to take Sandy to her swimming lesson.  We have all experienced good intentions to pray for someone and then have something or someone divert our attention to the urgency of the moment.  Hopefully, we remember at some point during the day to follow through with our promise, but often we lose our focus in the pressures of living.  Our intentions may be good, but sometimes it is not enough to fulfill our commitment.  Certainly, there are times when we must apologetically break our word because of an emergency.  However, if we are physically able to fulfill our commitments, we need to keep our word.  For a period in my life, I would commit to pray for someone, or attend a function, or even participate in an event, but found myself in the embarrassing position of forgetting my promise or having to decline my obligation.  It made me feel foolish and unreliable, and I wasn’t too popular with the disappointed people who depended on my participation.  One day, I heard a pastor give a message on the importance of keeping our promises.  By the time he had finished, I realized giving my word to do something was very important to the Lord.  Now, I am slower to obligate myself, and seldom have to break my vow. Divorce courts daily process couples who are breaking their commitment to love and cherish each other as long as they live.  Couples enter marriage with joy, expecting their lives to sparkle with fulfilled hopes and dreams. However, when routines, bills, raising children and job stress settle in, our wedding vows become a distant memory and may be discounted as “just part of the ceremony”.  The Lord views all promises as important.  We have entered into a verbal contract to perform a certain function.  It is best to stop and count the cost before giving our word.  Consider these:  ● Is this request pleasing to the Lord? ● Am I able to do it today? ● Is my schedule available for a long-term commitment? ● Am I willing to complete my obligation even when it is difficult to do? During times of war, soldiers may utter a “fox-hole prayer,” promising God life-long service, giving of wealth or going to church for the rest of their lives if only He will keep them safe.  Does God hold them accountable during a time of facing death?  No one knows for sure, but even during times of high stress, promises are important.  “This is what the Lord commands.  When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said,” (Numbers 30:1-2 NIV). Fulfilling our promises helps people to trust us.  It is a great compliment when someone says, “He is a man of his word.” Keeping promises is a vital part of our integrity. It pleases our Lord when we take promises seriously and when we do everything in our power to fulfill our obligations.          ©Barbara Lighthizer 2006