Do You Keep Your Word?

Freelance writer, Nicole Bradley-Bernard, said, 'People with good intentions make promises. But people with good character keep them.' So, what's the big deal about making promises? And, what's the big deal if I don't carry through with promises made? Nobody really cares anyway. And besides, things come up that I don't anticipate. Really?

And you think a lifestyle of saying 'Yes,' and then not carrying through is alright? Are you a believer in Christ? If yes, then it is not alright to make promises and not follow through. A lot of good intentions — promises made — go unfulfilled in today's world. I think it's an integrity-based epidemic. God's people, of all people, should be dependable — people who keep their word.

Of course, interruptions do happen out of our control. However, these times should be the exception, not the rule. And if you have to recant on a promise made, let whoever you promised know. This is only right! Also, we all get caught up in the excitement and emotions of a moment and often agree to things without first giving them complete thought. Our intentions are mostly good but then, after the dust settles, our original resolve fades.

That's why I refuse to promote emotionally-prodded faith promise offerings at church. Many times, God's people suffer from guilt when they cannot fulfill promises made during an emotionally-charged service.

Four Ways Broken Promises Reveal Spiritual Problems

First, it demonstrates immaturity. If you are one who fails regularly to carry through with promises made, ask the Lord to keep you in remembrance. Immature individuals treat promises made with a lackadaisical attitude. But what happens on the other end when individuals counting on you to keep your word become victims of unfulfilled promises? In some instances, this can be devastating.

Second, it says something about our character, good or bad. We dare not minimize the importance of keeping our word. People are counting on us!

Third, poor follow-through exposes people who are not dependable and trustworthy. These two traits should not be named among God's people.

Fourth, it reveals our true heart. If we truly care about people, then we will make sure that what we promise, we fulfill. God's people need to say what they mean and mean what they say. It's far better not to make a promise than to make one with absolutely no intention of following through. This, in a very real way, is the same as lying.

What Scripture Says About Vows

Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NKJV) — 'When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed.'

Deuteronomy 23:21 (NKJV) — 'When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you.'

James 5:12 (KJV) — 'But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.'

As a pastor, I most often note promises broken when people promise to be in church on Sunday, or promise to be at a Bible study or other church event, or promise to do something for the church and then don't show up. The real frustration comes when nothing is ever said — as if their word counts for nothing. This is always heart-breaking.

In the end, this isn't about perfection — it's about alignment. It's about bringing our words into agreement with a heart that honors Christ. We serve a God who never fails to keep His Word, not once, not ever. And as His people, we have the privilege of reflecting that same faithfulness in everyday, practical ways. When we say 'yes,' let it carry weight. When we give our word, let it be something others can rest on with confidence.

Start small if you must — but start intentionally. Ask the Lord to shape you into a person whose promises are not driven by emotion, but anchored in integrity. And over time, you'll find that your life begins to preach something powerful without ever saying a word — that you belong to a God who can always be trusted, and by His grace, so can you.