No Broken Promises

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:2-7

Everett stood at the window, watching dark clouds disappearing into the distant sky. “Those clouds sure weren’t any help,” he said. “I was hoping it would rain so I wouldn’t have to mow Mrs. Smith’s lawn today.”

“I was hoping those clouds would give us some rain too—we sure do need it,” said Dad. “But I’m sure Mrs. Smith will be happy you can mow her lawn now like you promised.”

Everett sat down and flicked on the TV. “Yeah, well, I’m not going to mow it right now. It might rain later.”

“But isn’t Mrs. Smith expecting you in fifteen minutes?” asked Dad.

Everett shrugged. “The grass will still be there tomorrow. Right now I want to watch an episode of my favorite show.”

Dad got up and went to the window. The clouds had just about vanished beyond the horizon. “Those clouds seemed to promise rain, but they didn’t follow through on their promise,” he said. “Don’t you hate it when that happens?” He shook his head. “And I’m sad to say, I think there’s another rainless cloud right here in this room!”

“What?” Everett looked around. “What are you talking about?”

“Sometimes people are like those clouds,” Dad said. “They make promises, but when it’s time to fulfill their promises, they just never get around to it.” He looked at his son. “And right now, you’re looking pretty cloudy, Everett.”

Suddenly, the show Everett was watching didn’t seem all that interesting. He sighed. “I guess if I don’t do what I promised, Mrs. Smith won’t think any more of me than I do of those big, dark clouds.” He turned off the TV and got up. “I’ll go right now and mow her lawn.”

Dad smiled and gave Everett a pat on the back. “Mrs. Smith and I aren’t the only ones who will be pleased with you,” he said. “God keeps every promise He makes to us, including His biggest promise of all—salvation and eternal life through Jesus—and He wants us to keep our promises too.” – Sam L. Sullivan

How About You?

Have you made promises you didn’t end up keeping? Think about how you feel when someone breaks a promise they made to you. It’s not a good feeling—but it’s the same feeling other people have when you break your promises to them. Be careful what you promise—make sure it’s something you can do and that God would approve. Then once you make a promise, keep it.

Today’s Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NLT) It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.

Today’s Key Thought:

Keep your promises