Shortly before his death the Duke  of Burgundy was presiding over the Cabinet Council of France. A proposal was made by the ministers that would violate a treaty but would secure important advantages for the country. Many reasons were offered to justify the deed. The Duke listened in silence and when all had spoken he closed the conference without giving approval. Placing his hand on a copy of the original agreement he said with firmness in his voice, “Gentlemen, we have a treaty!”

It’s important that Christians act and speak so that the Saviour is glorified. When you give your word, keep it. If you make a commitment, honour it. If you take on an obligation, fulfil it. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes.’”

Our honesty and reliability should be so evident that we can be trusted for any contract we make. What better testimony could be said of a believer than this: “He gave his word; that’s good enough for me.” And if non-Christians can trust us in business matters, they are more likely to believe us when we speak about the gospel.

If you are tempted to go back on a promise, think again of the words of the Duke of Burgundy: “Gentlemen, we have a treaty!”

Never give your word unless you intend to keep it.

Author

Richard DeHaan

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