In what ways can we apply the principle of keeping promises in our lives? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 17 recounts how King Zedekiah broke an oath he had sworn before God with Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar. Verse 18 summarizes God’s verdict: “He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Behold, he had given his hand and yet did all these things; he will not escape!”. The Lord treats promises as sacred; breaking them invites judgment. What Scripture Says About Promise-Keeping - Numbers 30:2 – “He must not break his word but must do everything he has promised.” - Psalm 15:4 – God honors the one “who keeps his oath, even when it hurts.” - Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “Do not delay to fulfill it… Better that you do not vow than to vow and not fulfill it.” - Matthew 5:37 – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” - James 5:12 – “So that you will not fall under judgment.” - 2 Corinthians 1:20 – All God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ, modeling perfect faithfulness. Why Promise-Keeping Matters Today - Reflects God’s own character; He is “faithful and true” (Revelation 19:11). - Builds trust and stability in families, churches, workplaces, and society. - Serves as a living witness that believers take God’s Word seriously. - Guards us from the discipline that follows broken vows (Ezekiel 17:19-21). Practical Ways to Live This Out Family & Relationships - Honor marriage vows—faithfulness, mutual respect, lifelong commitment. - Follow through on promises to children; model reliability early. - Keep confidences; don’t share what was pledged in trust. Work & Finances - Deliver work by the deadline you agreed to; communicate promptly if obstacles arise. - Pay debts, bills, and taxes on schedule; integrity extends to our wallets. - Avoid over-committing; better to say a clear, honest “No” than to default later. Church Life - Fulfill service commitments—teaching, volunteering, music, hospitality—consistently. - Uphold membership covenants: attend, give, pray, pursue unity. - Give as you have purposed (2 Corinthians 9:7); pledged offerings shouldn’t be reneged. Legal & Civic Settings - Respect contracts and signed agreements, whether leases, employment terms, or warranties. - Tell the truth in court, on forms, and in everyday interactions; perjury and fraud break sworn oaths. Spiritual Commitments - Baptism testifies that Christ is Lord; live daily in submission to Him. - Keep any personal vows (fasts, service, missions giving) you voluntarily make before God. - Let communion be a sober reminder that covenant promises cost blood; treat yours with equal seriousness. Speech Habits - Think before speaking; weigh whether you can and should promise. - Replace “I’ll try” or “maybe” with a decisive yes or no. - If unforeseen circumstances force a change, communicate quickly, take responsibility, and make restitution where possible. Encouragement for the Journey Keeping promises may cost time, comfort, or money, yet Psalm 15 assures that the one who stands by his word “will never be shaken.” As God empowers us through the Spirit, our faithfulness becomes a testimony to the world of the One who always keeps His promises. |
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