How important is keeping your promise? On a scale of one to ten, where would you place the importance of keeping your word? I would venture to say that It’s not meaningless (1) but is it a consistent 10?
Jesus said:
“let your yes be yes, and your no, no.” (Matthew 5:37)
Basically, mean what you say, and follow through.
A lot of things are easier said than done, or we wouldn’t be urged to “count the cost in advance.”
Can we talk about what keeping a promise means for a bit, then I will share a great book I’ve just read, where keeping a promise cost the heroine greatly, but she did it anyway.
please note that I did receive a copy of this book for free from Celebrate Lit, but I was not required to leave a positive review. Also, some links may be affiliate links, for your convenience. You may view my full disclosure here.
Why Is It Important to keep promises?
Sometimes we question, why is it important to keep promises? After all, I ________!
Keeping a promise when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable is a sign of integrity and character. It means putting one another ahead of self.
Keeping your promise shows that you value the other person.
Think wedding vows, job description, telling your kid you will change the batteries in that toy later TODAY…
Why is it important ro keep promises? Ummm, how about (Matthew 7:12/Luke 6:31)
“do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
How do YOU want to be treated?
Keeping a promise costs something. Be careful what you agree to, and be diligent about keeping your promise.
Man, I’m feeling totally convicted here, and I haven’t even gone to look up the scriptures I want to include next!
I see a trail of good intentions and lackluster follow-through, especially directed at my oldest, and honestly, with my husband.
I tell my son we can do ______, after _____. Then I forget and move on with whatever chore or personal desire comes next. Keeping a promise to him should be more consistent. Instead of disappointment, I could be trustworthy.
Bible Verses About Keeping Promises to Others
Numbers 30 goes in-depth on keeping your promise [And on a father/husband’s role as well, very interesting and reassuring!].
There’s a flat command, keeping your promise, no exceptions. Unless your father/husband finds out and says, “nuh-uh! Not happening. Keeping your promise, in this case, isn’t wise. I forbid you to follow through on that.”
In which case, keeping your promise becomes the wrong thing to do.
Another one of the great Bible verses about keeping promises to each other is found in James 5:12 NASB. James is quoting Jesus, and Numbers, and is firm. Keeping your promise is critical.
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
The Importance of Keeping Your Word
Well, if there’s any doubt remaining on the importance of keeping your word, how about the nasty feeling you get when you realize you failed someone important to you?
I’m sure I’m not alone!
And then, there are situations like Madeline encounters below, where keeping your promise (s) will hurt someone you love. And you knew that when you made the promise.
But counting the cost, you make the promise anyway, and now you have to go on, keeping your promise and following through.
Dead Letter: Keeping Your Promise at All Costs
Okay, so the bank mystery is fun, and the persona Madeline claims for her disguise in book 4 is funny. The letters to and from “Royal” (the Pinkertons, or an imaginary fiance) are hysterical. Over all, I would give Dead Letter 5 Stars.
But, what kept pulling me deeper was Russell’s family. If you recall from book 3, Fine Print, Russell is my favorite. When his mom makes Madeline promise to remain undercover instead of returning to comfort the grieving, well … I knew it would be hard.
Keeping a promise like that? When your heart and head are both screaming at you, and you can see the suffering that will occur if you keep your promise, and the disaster that is likely if you DON’T keep your promise? The proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’ situation!
Madeline’s turmoil and the grace with which she pulls off the situation are equally encouraging. I appreciate the reminder that inner distress and upheaval are ok, and you can still do what is right, even if it’s hard.
Russell doesn’t have enough information to understand, and his pain comes out as anger, a fairly normal response, considering!
The lessons on prayer are great as well! (neatly woven in, and encouraging) There is a very good explanation of “why pray when God already knows everything?” among other things.
An excellent read, fun, mystery, sadness, adventure, and some Meddlin’ of course!
About the Book: Dead Letter
Book: Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian historical, mystery
Release Date: February 19, 2019
For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.
Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiance, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Wintherwood, Ohio.
Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.
As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
More from Chautona:
3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME
“This is book four, right?”
I nodded.
He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”
“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”
“Not enough.”
He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).
So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.
Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.
Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.
The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.
Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?
3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME
First—
Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.
Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!
Second—
Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline
Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.
Third—
Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.
Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.
So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichés.
31 Comments on “Keeping Your Promise When It’s Hard”
So glad you “got” what I was trying to do! YAY! Also thrilled you loved it.
Thanks for writing this! I appreciate the lesson on keeping your promise, even if it is uncomfortable. And yes, I laughed enough to get my 5yo asking why!
Thank you for being part of the book tour for “Dead Letter” by Chautona Havig.
Sounds like a fabulous book and one that I wold love the opportunity to read. I always enjoy and learn from reading this author’s books.
It was my privilege, Kay! I feel the same way. I own nearly all of her books, for just that reason. (did you know she usually posts a different book for free on kindle every Friday!)
I was glad Madeline came to the conclusions she did in her personal life! I have really enjoyed this series.
Yes. Watching Madeline grow through this series has been fascinating. And the way she discusses different aspects of faith with Russell, her father, or someone else is so natural and curious!
Thanks for the review! (Smiling over the collection of cliches) ?
Sounds like not only an entertaining read but one that is full of practical insight and wisdom, Aryn. Thanks for sharing!
You’re most welcome, Beth! Yes, the whole series is like that, but especially this one!
Sounds like a really fun book. Thanks for sharing. The letting your yes be yes and your no be no was truly convicting for me, as I jotted down picking up the batteries I promised my son two weeks ago.
Ouch! Good for you!
Keeping your promise should be easier in this world of modern technology. We always have our phone, so adding something to a to do list or shopping cart takes no time at all. But we always seem so busy!
Sounds like a wonderful book! This was a timely post as my husband and I are having to keep our word at a very inconvenient time. It is the right thing to do Thank you for this post!
I love how God reminds us of things like that through unrelated sources, when we need the encouragement!
This is great, and the book sounds excellent! Thanks!!!!
Thanks. It’s a good series, and the lesson on keeping a promise is well done without preaching at all!
Okay………. my nieces and nephew would love you for this. I keep neglecting my promise because some other things come up. However, I now know that no promise is too small to be deemed important.
It’s true. If it matters enough to agree to in the first place, keeping a Promise is a big deal!
You’re so right, keeping promises is a big deal! Thanks for this great reminder!
My son wanted pancakes yesterday for breakfast. I explained to him that we needed to have something else that would spoil if we didn’t eat it then, but I would make pancakes tomorrow. He accepted thst well, and, honestly, because of this post, I made sure I was up and organized in time to make pancakes before we had to leave. Keeping my word felt really good!
The book sounds good & I love the collection of verses… these resonate with me as I am perhaps overly demanding about others being honest and following through on their promises. Yet, I still have work to do on myself in following through… I think I’m an 8 or 9 though if I have to rate myself ?
Glad to hear that the keeping your promise verses connected with you. And I am glad you are working consistently at your own follow through!
I don’t struggle with keeping my promises to others so much, but really, it’s sometimes hard to keep my promises to myself. It’s something I’m really focused on over the next few months
Ooh! I hadn’t made that connection, Sarah! Keeping your promise to yourself! Whether you are talking about fitness or budget or rewards… This is good. I’m going to have to work on this!
This book sounds like a really great read.
It absolutely is, Debbie! I had so much fun reading it, plus making me think
I agree, keeping our promises is not always easy, but it is so important. Thanks for sharing about the book – it sounds like one I’d enjoy!
Thanks Lesley, I hope you get a chance to read it soon!
Aryn, I’m so glad God keeps His promises to us! Sometimes we don’t, but He ALWAYS does! Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Amen! He is faithful!
It’s so important to keep our promises, regardless of circumstance! Thank you for this wonderful encouragement.
x Anastasia | MightyMemos.com
It is important. We have to be careful what we promise, and then follow through!