16 Feb 2010, Tuesday.
If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Numbers 30:2
We are living in a world that thrives on falsehood and deception. This worldly culture that surrounds us despises and rejects truth. In the last few years, global multinational corporations were exposed for deception and corruption. Even world-famous accounting firms were caught falsifying reports. In many countries, surveys show that broadcast and print media are consistently ranked the least trusted institutions in society.
No wonder Isaiah the prophet cries out, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street” (Is. 59:14). And because truth is fallen in the street, we constantly assume that ungodly people are predisposed to lie and cheat us. The loss of truth causes people everywhere to become skeptical, cynical and untrusting. The difference between David and Saul was in their love for the truth. When Saul was confronted by the truth of his disobedience, he rejected it and blamed it on the people (1 Sam.15:19-21). When David was confronted by the truth of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, he accepted it and repented from his sin. Because Saul was not a lover of truth, he lost his kingdom and died a tragic death before his time. Because David was a lover of truth, his kingdom became even greater. A Christian must learn to love truth and communicate truth when he or she makes a promise. This is the very character of God—He is Truth and He communicates truth to us. Five principles about
God’s Word:
(1) God’s Word is the expression of His nature (John 1:1).
(2) God’s Word is the measure of His character (Rev. 1:8).
(3) God’s Word is magnified above His name (Ps. 138:2).
(4) God’s Word is the sole source of faith and the absolute rule of conduct (Rom. 10:17).
(5) God’s Word is His bond (Heb. 6:13). Because God’s Word is His bond, our word must be our bond! The Bible says, “It is a
snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows” (Prov. 20:25). Jesus says, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matt. 5:37).
Many Christians conveniently excuse themselves from the commitments they verbally make. Keep your promises to your spouse, your children, your pastor and your God! Remember, your word is your bond. Keeping your promises witnesses to the nature and character of God alive in you.
