This past week, I had an interesting experience. I had dropped off a used car of ours that was leaking gas and stopped by to see if he had figured out what the trouble was. He had already replaced the fuel filter and had it ready to go, which was good news, as we suspected a cracked fuel line. When I was paying the bill, I commented to him it was the same amount that I was charged at another mechanic I visited once, 4+ years earlier, where I felt I was treated unfairly and overcharged. He was just listening and less than 5 seconds later, the very person I was just talking about walked in and asked him a question. I’m not sure he heard my comment, because he did not say anything, but after he left, my mechanic chuckled at that timing as well. Now I do not normally go around bad mouthing others, but I don’t hold back the truth either, as I’ll give an honest review, good or bad, of any business I’ve dealt with. But it was a reminder to me to still reserve negative comments for the person they were intended for and leave the rest alone. Have your words ever gotten you into trouble, and made you change your behavior?
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
How much value do you give to someone’s words (whether written or spoken)? If you are like me, you may give most new people the benefit of the doubt and take them at their word. If they prove themselves trustworthy, I’m more apt to take them at their word each time I deal with them. If they don’t keep their word, I may still forgive them, but be more guarded about trusting them each time I deal with them in the future. I have had some people cancel scheduled appointments over ½ the time I schedule with them. While I give them the benefit of the doubt each time, I will still call ahead of each visit, or schedule other visits nearby, especially if I have to drive 20 or 50 miles to meet with them, so as not to get burned each time. I’ve found people can come up with any excuse and hope you believe it, even if you don’t. When someone proves true to their word, I put more trust in them each time. Who is the most trustworthy person in your life right now?
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
If you are like me, you may always try to keep your word, but inevitably you fall short of that from time to time because either you overcommit, or forget about something you said you would do, or just couldn’t keep your promise for other reasons. Hopefully, it is not a habit, but just an occasional thing. Do you usually try to justify your actions, or inactions, or do you actually ask for forgiveness, depending on who you have offended? How about with God? Do you ever fall short on promises with Him? Has he ever come up short on any promises with you? When we read through His Word, we can take Him at his word. His Word has been, is, and always will be true and trustworthy. Amen?
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 1 Corinthians 1:20
Yours in Christ,
Clark
