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Proverbs 12:22 – God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word. (MSG)
I was blessed with parents who both followed the biblical instruction to keep their promises.
While many such circumstances come to my mind, there are two that I will share with you.
My father accepted a senior lay leadership role in the place where we worshipped in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. He accepted that responsibility long before I was born in 1933 and continued until his employer transferred him to Toronto in 1946.
His responsibility required him to participate in the leadership of the Sunday services.
We were fortunate to have a summer cottage at Ipperwash Beach on Lake Huron, and we always looked forward to getting in the car after his work finished on Friday afternoon and driving the 55 kilometres to the beach.
Without fail, however, on Sunday morning, we were again loaded into the car and drove back down to Sarnia for the morning service. Dad had given his word, and he never failed to keep it.
The other experience that I learned about occurred over a century ago. I am the youngest of six children (five of us boys). My oldest brother was born in 1917.
As my young parents worked out their mutual responsibilities, apparently my dad said that he wasn't too keen on changing diapers. Mother quickly offered to make a deal. She said that she would change all the diapers if he agreed to clear the table after meals and wash the dishes.
Since that was a relatively pleasant task, my dad agreed, and they both were happy.
Dad soon realized, however, that babies grow out of diapers. Clearing the table and washing dishes go on forever.
Mum had wisely chosen the better arrangement and out-manoeuvred my Dad. He, however, had given his word, and he kept his word throughout their entire married life.
An interesting benefit of dad keeping his word is that all five of us boys courted young ladies, who each thought that they had a well-trained fiancé. Their boyfriends had grown up knowing that it was a man's responsibility to clean up after meals and do the dishes. Dad never went back on his word, and in turn, our wives benefited.
We may laugh at how my mother outsmarted my dad, but my dad had the last laugh. Because he could be depended on to keep his word, he held senior positions with a major company. Probably the biggest compliment he would receive was when someone would say, "His word is his bond!"
In a self-centred world where people will do anything underhanded to get ahead, let us practice the virtue of integrity, and keep our promises without fail.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us always to keep our word. May we realize that whether it is to maintain commitments we make in Your service or even just to do ordinary tasks, may we always be faithful. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Amen Vincent!
Amen, Vincent, amen! Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Thanks, Vincent. You were blessed with a great example!
Great story. Vincent, and a wonderful heritage to emulate.
Integrity is so important, thanks for sharing a great story! Blessings!
This was very inspiring and so true. We absolutely need to have integrity.
Thank you!
Blessings.
Vincent, thank you for an inspiring and caring devotional with a very important message for us all to follow.
Thanks for your reflections, Vince. We don’t say thank you frequently enough.
Grace and peace.
Made me smile, Vincent. I do love your family stories, SO unlike mine. You were TRULY blessed with your dear parents. Thank you.
I love your illustrations of keeping one’s word, Vincent. It’s funny how family traditions start, too!
God bless you.
What a great story…yay mom! And yay dad for being a great example for you and your family.
Blessings on your day,
What a legacy your dad kept for his children. There is something very special about having family or friends who keep their word. Thank you for sharing.
Walter – I always so enjoy your devotionals. Your mother was a very wise woman! Thank you for reminding us to keep our word in a world where deceit is common.
Hi Vincent,
The world has certainly changed. Thanks for the reminder of the good values in life.
Blessings.
Good Morning Vincent.
We enjoyed your prayer and Devotional very much.
Blessings
(ON)
Hello
Wow, what a great lesson your dad instilled in his sons. This was really a good read, thank you. As always, I enjoy when you send in a devotional.
God bless.
Hello Vince,
You are one of the best writers on the PresbyCan. Always look forward to your contributions. A very important one today. Keep them coming.
Dear Walter, So happy to hear your wonderful family story. Your Dad sure made a commitment. Did you follow that kitchen duty? Good for boys to learn to help around the house. I notice my Grandsons often do the cooking and cleaning too. Blessings.
Dear V. Walter,
Thank you for the “faithful to your word” devotional.
Always an essential. As is faithful to God’s Word.
Keep writing.
Thank you, Vincent. I always enjoy your devotionals. I would like to copy this one to share with our group at our weekly prayer meeting as we take turns leading. I’m sure it would be encouraging for the group. God bless you. Keep on writing.
(Newfoundland)
Our son was helping a new Canadian who ended up going to jail.
After the man was released, he told us it was more important that our son “Stood by his word” than the fact he went to jail. He was telling everybody that our son “Stands by his Word”.
Thanks for your devotionals.
(ON)
Dear Vince,
Many thanks for another special devotional sharing memories of your Dad’s commitment “to his word” and the ripple effect it had on his sons. Yes, it is honourable duty to be true to our word and especially be true to reverence to our loving Saviour.
Blessings to you for contributing such meaningful writings.
(B.C.)
Good Morning, Vincent.
How I enjoy reading stories of parents who were wonderful role models for their children! This devotion is no exception and brought a chuckle and a smile to my face this rainy morning. I wonder if your mother really had the deal figured out when she offered to change the diapers.
Thank you for sharing this lesson of parenthood and life. May God’s blessings ‘rain down’ on you this day!
Good Morning –
I have just enjoyed your latest devotional on the Presbyterian site and want to tell you so!
I hope you have made a circle of friends on-line among people who resonate, as I do, with your reflections.
I appreciate how you bring forward impactful experiences from your life, and gently encourage / inspire us to keep running the race.
Thank-you for sharing your gifts in this way.
Blessings,
(ON)