Sermonettes 17
BE TRUE TO YOUR WORD
by Richard W. De Haan
"Let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No", "No." For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matt.5:37).
Shortly before his death, the Duke of Burgundy was presiding over the Cabinet Council of France. A proposal was made that would violate an existing treaty but would secure important advantages for the country. Many "good" reasons were offered to justify this action. The Duke listened in silence. When all had spoken, he closed the conference without giving approval. Placing his hand on a copy of the original agreement, he said with firmness in his voice, "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"
It's a strong temptation these days to abandon our word in favour of personal advantage or financial gain. As believers in Christ, however, our responsibility is to remain true to our word so that our Lord is glorified.
So, when you give your word, keep it! "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'" (Matt.5:37). If you make a commitment, honour it! If you take an obligation, fulfil it! Your honesty and reliability should be so evident that you can be trusted for any contract you make. If non-Christians can trust you in business matters, they will be more likely to believe you when you speak about the gospel.
When we're tempted to break a promise, let's think again of these words: "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"
Lord, by Your Spirit grant me
A deep desire for honesty,
That when I simply give my word
No one will doubt what they have heard.
This page was created on 10 April 1998
Last updated on 10 April 1998
Reproduced with Thanks