PROMISES
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Judges 11:29-39
Psalm 40:5,7-10
Matthew 22:1-14
They say that “Promise and fail is a sin”. Do you know why? Breaking a promise is generally considered sinful because it involves dishonesty and a betrayal of trust, which are contrary to Christian values. A promise, especially one made to God or in a sacred context, is seen as a commitment that should be upheld, and failing to do so can be likened to lying or hypocrisy.
Why do people make promises?
People make promises to show the seriousness of their decisions. Promises such as priestly celibacy, religious profession of vows, baptismal promises and the vows of marriage carry serious weight and should be honoured when they are made or should never be made at all. Circumstances may lead people to make special vows like the one Jephthah made to the Lord, “If you deliver the Ammonites into my hands, then the first person to meet me from the door of my house when I return in triumph from fighting the Ammonites shall belong to the Lord, and I will offer him up as a holocaust.” (Judges 11:30,31). Is this right?
While Jephthah intended to understate the seriousness of his intention, it betrays ignorance of the consequences of such an open-ended and weighty statement. In the end, he had to sacrifice his only child, his virgin daughter. Would you have gone ahead to fulfil your promise if you were in his shoes? What has enshrined Jephthah in history is that he took his words seriously, even after realising that he probably should not have gone that far. He was a man of integrity and honour who took his words seriously.
Here is how you should proceed henceforth:
God takes us seriously, and we should treat Him likewise.
God is not interested in your vows and holocausts; He wants your heart and for you to trust Him (Psalm 40:6 “You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear.”).
Pray and think deeply before making a promise or a vow to God or a person.
If you make a vow, you need to honour it—special blessings are attached to honouring your vows.
If you break your vow, the punishment for it will follow. The simple way to remedy this punishment is to go to confession as soon as possible, repent of your sin and go back and fulfil your vow or promise.
There are no small promises; every word that comes out of your mouth should carry the weight of a sacrifice offered up to God.
Tell the truth always. This is the first sign that you are a faithful person.
Do not make a habit of lying; you will lose credibility and drive people away from you.
Do not be talkative or gossip. Where words are abundant, lies are not far away.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, give me the grace to be truthful in my words, faithful in my actions, diligent with my duties and totally resolved in following you through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the grace of God make me a truthful and faithful person, one who keeps their word and walks in integrity.
May the light of the Holy Spirit guide my thoughts, desires and decisions and keep me safe unto eternal life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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