For the past two days I’ve been talking about being a person of your word—a person who is honest and trustworthy. In Matthew 5:37 Jesus taught about the importance of speaking with sincerity: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

It’s a statement that is echoed in James 5:12: “do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”

We all agree that it’s good to keep your promises, to be a person of your word.

But when we look closely at our choices, and at the promises and commitments we’ve made over the years, we start to see that it’s easier said than done.

It’s true for me too. This past week as I’ve been reflecting on my own track record, I realized there was something in my past that I haven’t followed through on.

Can you relate?

If so, here’s an idea about what you and I can do about it.

First, if you haven’t kept a promise to God, apologize and then try to get back on track.

Second, if you haven’t kept a promise to another person, wouldn’t it make sense to reach out to them and try to make it right?

No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, your next best step can be the right one.

By Matthew Ruttan
-Bible quotes are from the New International Version
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