article from JUNE-AUGUST 2009
Keep Your Word
Do you follow through on your commitments?
By Michael H. Venish
Everywhere, you see people using technology. On any street, in any town or city, people on sidewalks, in cars, in shopping malls, either talk or text on cellphones. People sit on park benches or in local cafes using laptop computers. They are either sending emails or working on a project that will eventually be emailed.
Source: Getty Creative Images
No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can be contacted if you own a cellphone or computer.
How we love to communicate!
God told the prophet Daniel, “Shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Dan. 12:4). In all this racing “to and fro,” the technology of communication certainly has increased.
With all the communicating that you do, whether verbal or written, how dependable are you? Do you keep your word? How important is that question to you? Do you understand what it means to “keep your word”?
Commit and Follow Through
Having been in the home maintenance and carpentry business for many years, my business allowed me to encounter people of different races, languages and cultures. Usually, I was called to complete projects that other contractors abandoned, and left unfinished.
Often, with the job half-completed, the clients would be discouraged. The contractors’ lack of commitment to their word, whether by phone, a signed contract or even word of mouth, usually cost their clients more than just money—it also affected them in other ways.
For example, clients’ homes were left a mess due to uncompleted work. Homeowners wasted time trying to contact these unfaithful contractors, and felt frustrated while waiting for an appointee to arrive. I heard from some people that many contractors would not show up for appointments, let alone phone to apologize.
When a prospective client phoned me to inquire about how much a certain job would cost, they often ended the conversation by saying, “Are you sure you will turn up at my house at the given time? Will you come? Are you sure?” This was done repeatedly.
From these experiences, I learned that the only way to have a successful business with a satisfied clientele was to follow through with my word. This policy increased my business. People were happy to have an individual who completed a task. They, in turn, gave recommendations to their family and friends.
Let Your “Yes” Be Yes
Keeping your word means to commit yourself to your promises; to be bound by your word.
The apostle Paul, speaking to the Corinthian congregation, said, “When I therefore was this minded, did I use lightness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes, yes, and no, no?” (II Cor. 1:17).
In other words, let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Paul was saying that he would not be like men in the world, who would change their minds on a whim for what seemed best to their selfish, material interest. He was committed—he followed Christ and His example.
Jesus Christ is totally committed to His Word. He changes not! He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8), and declares, “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Mal. 3:6).
Paul and the Church of that era would be astonished at the advancements mankind has made in the field of communication over the past 50 years.
On the other hand, think of how shocked they would be at what this century has spawned—a generation that is not truthful and is without integrity.
What about you? Have you perhaps been affected by this thinking? Does access to instant communication cause you to take your promises lightly? Or do you strive to take your word seriously?
God Takes Our Words Seriously
Keeping your word is like wearing a badge. It is a sign of your character, honesty and integrity. It also shows that you respect others. Notice: “If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth” (Num. 30:2).
When we say we will do something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we must be bound by those words (unless unforeseen circumstances occur). Friends and family must have the confidence that we will not back down in doing what we have committed ourselves to do.
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus said, “Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect.” With this quotation in mind, here are seven tips that may help you be dependable and retain self-respect.
• Be honest with yourself. Don’t commit to something that you cannot do. Instead say, “No.”
Once you commit, follow through. Otherwise, you will look foolish.
• Remember when you say, “I’ll do it” or “I’ll be there,” do not change your mind; follow through even if it inconveniences you.
• If you say “yes” to something, write it down so you will not forget. Do not use the excuse, “Oh, I forgot.”
• Be considerate of the other person.
• Think before you commit yourself. Ask the following questions: “What inconveniences am I undertaking to do this? Will it cause me time and work, which I cannot afford?”
• Discuss your decision with your parents, or a teacher or coach if necessary.
• Inform the person if you cannot fulfill your obligation. And be honest.
Reputation of Integrity
The best place to practice being dependable is at home. When your parents ask you to do something, discipline yourself and accomplish it. Develop a habit of keeping your word by doing those things, even if they seem insignificant.
If you make a promise to your friends, keep it. You would want them do to the same for you.
Your integrity will be recognized by the words of your mouth. Remember that the potential for disappointment is bred by many letdowns. Once you become known for being unfaithful to your commitments, it will be difficult to regain a right reputation, even if your words are smooth and shiny.
Let your integrity be acknowledged—keep your word!