“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:3-4
There was a time when one’s promise would usually be upheld and trusted. Four copies of notarized signed documents were not needed.
A person’s handshake and words of commitment were substantial no matter what happened. Even if there were problems after the agreement, those who gave their promises would uphold their obligations, no matter what. It was their promise, and it had great value to them and others.
Today, one’s word and signed legal documents are no guarantee that one’s promise will come to fruition. One’s oral commitment means little in many transactions.
What went wrong? Why are the promises of politicians, business partners, friends, and other associates of little value many times?
For most, the standard for moral values, the Bible, has lost its importance, and its teachings have never been instilled in lives. God’s Word defines right and wrong, and many wander through life without godly advice, direction, or conviction.
Without instilling the Bible’s moral commandments and remembering God’s firm reprisals when one breaks them, there will be no knowledge of them and certainly no fear when God’s ordinances are violated.
Little guilt or embarrassment is experienced when a commitment is broken. Sometimes, conscienceless excuses are justified when one’s promises are broken. “Well, he was dumb to trust me. That’s his problem,” “It’s not written and legal, so I don’t have to honor what I told her,” or even “I lost my job. I promised I’d pay, but I can’t afford my rent anymore, so what does the landlord expect of me?” Those are just a few excuses one hears when one’s commitments are not upheld.
Without one’s upheld promise, transactions and the trust of others will disappear. Society will change as characters will not be relied upon. Additional laws will attempt to force people to honor their words and commitments.
However, unbiblical immorality will constantly challenge laws and attempts to do what at one time was natural to do. Promises will not be upheld.
There needs to be value in what one says. If one says one will do something, it should be done. When someone says, “I will be there at 5:00, all efforts to meet that time should be made.” If not, it will be quickly realized by others that one’s word cannot be trusted.”
Because of unkept promises and valueless words, society will breed untrusted generations. That danger can be stopped by values, including the keeping of promises.
Keep your word. If you said you would do something, do it. Your character is at stake, and it is important.
Others are watching and remembering. Be the trustworthy example others need to hear.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
“Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies.”
— Benjamin Franklin
