9 SEPTEMBER

KEEPING THE PROMISE

“And Joshua made peace with them [the Gibeonites] and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.” (Joshua 9:15)

Even though this promise was extracted with deception, Joshua and the leaders of Israel kept their word. That is integrity. When five kings gathered to attack Gibeon and they called on Joshua, he immediately and willingly responded with his army and through the power of God, defeated the five nations in a single battle.

How do we feel when we have been deceived? Would we be willing to offer assistance to someone who has deceived us, even when we have forgiven? Would we steadfastly adhere to a strict moral or ethical code, when the person who would benefit has not shown the same commitment?

God expects us to keep our promises, irrespective of the circumstances. John Green wrote in his book, The Fault in Our Stars, “Some people don’t understand the promises they’re making when they make them but they keep the promise anyway. That’s what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.”

ACTION: Are you keeping the promises you have made or allowing circumstances to deter you? Be a person of integrity.

PRAYER: I cannot do this in my own power but by your grace, Lord Jesus. Please, help me.