I notice that I do my best to fulfil my promise to my wife and children. There are times that I would be greatly inconvenienced. But once I make the promise, I go out of my way to fulfil it. Recently, I was reminded that the way to help my children’s faith in God is to model right before them. I need to keep my word.
Friend, you need to keep your word. We are quick to refer to God as the covenant keeping God. We are confident in the fact that He keeps His word (Luke 1:45). But the question is; do we keep our words? If God was fickle with His words the way we do, where would we have been today? Where would the earth have been? Remember that God holds all things by His word (Hebrews 1:3).
What can you hold by your word? Can people within your sphere of relationship count on you (Proverbs 23:6-7)? Do you keep your word. As wonderful as it is to be a person of ability, you also need to be a person of integrity. It is the integrity of God that births real faith in our hearts, not just His ability (Numbers 23:19).
Knowing that God keeps His word makes Him dependable (Romans 4:20-21). This is why we can call on Him and lay hold on His promises. But are you dependable? Can your spouse depend on you? Can your children depend on you? Can those around you take you at your word and know that you will do exactly as you have said (2 Corinthians 1:17-20)?
Like I learnt earlier, the easiest way to teach your children to trust God is to be trustworthy yourself (Genesis 18:19). There is a reason God made us privileged parents to our children. It is to model God’s fatherhood to them. It is to make them see and learn how to trust God and serve Him through our lives (Psalms 127:3-5). Are you a good model? Do you just throw words around without considering their implications?
Integrity is a commitment that every kingdom person must learn. A lot of times, it would cost you. But the payment of it far outweighs its cost (Genesis 14:22-24). Becoming somebody that others can rely on is an invaluable resource in the journey of life. Don’t destroy the faith of your children by being a wrong model (2 Timothy 1:5). Rather than teaching them that God keeps His word, show them by your life and examples. Learn to keep your word!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria