January 24, 2024 

Keeping Your Word

MIT Lakeisha Lynch 

Ecclesiates 5:4-7 (NIV) 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.”

Often times we make quick or immature decisions and have no intention on keeping our word. It sounds good at the time, but then there is no evidence of what you say. If asked to help out with doing something you say yes, but when the time comes to do it, you don’t show up. You make excuses or sometimes won’t even answer the phone. You gave your word, but you failed to do your part. That’s called lying. 

Even if something comes up and you’re unable to help out, make it known so that other arrangements can be made because someone is depending on you. Allow your yes to be your yes, especially when it comes to serving God and his people. If you are led by the Spirit to do something or to be part of something, do it without hesitation. Ecclesiastes 5:4 says, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools. It is better not to vow then to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not allow your mouth to lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, My vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hand? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.” 

Be intentional and wise when it comes down to what you say. Allow your yes to be your yes and do what is expected of you. I personally can relate to this scripture very well because my actions do not always match up the things that I speak. Although I have good intentions, I often fall short of fulfilling the things that I say that I will do. Why is that? 

God is intentional and we are to also be intentional but sometimes we allow thoughts to circulate in our minds to change our way of thinking. We try to rationalize it in our minds but it’s too late. Once we release it from our lips, we are now held accountable for what we say we are going to do. God is not expecting us to figure it out because He already knows the end results. Simply trust Him and His plan. Only God knows the plans He has for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Our minds are not capable of understanding so therefore, allow God to use you and lead you in all areas. Don’t fall short of keeping your promises to Him and expect Him to stay true to you. We as believers have a responsibility and a charge to keep. Matthew 21 says, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

God already kows what is in store for you and I and what our future holds. So stop holding on to uncertainty and what if’s and allow your yes to be yes, because God is more than capable of seeing it to completion as He said in Philippians 1:6 “He Who Began A Good Work In You Will Carry It On To Completion.” It’s already figured out so there’s no need to be fearful or doubtful. 

Simply remember to keep your word.