Keeping your word!

USA General Douglas MacArthur had a long, and distinguished military career. However, he is, arguably, best remembered for a speech that he gave as he left the Philippines, in 1942, and told the people of the Philippines: "I shall return". He had retired from the Army in 1937, but was recalled to active service in July 1941, and conducted a valiant delaying action against the Japanese Forces, in the Philippines, after the USA was drawn into WW2 by the attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941. He was ordered to Australia in March 1942, and commanded the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Theatre.

MacArthur was a man of his word and, two-and-a-half years after his departure from the Philippines, he returned and announced: "This is General MacArthur. I have returned!" In spite of overwhelming odds, the old soldier - he was, by then, 62 years of age - had kept his promise.

That kind of integrity is not easy to find in our own age. Nowadays - and, perhaps, especially over the past months and the Covid-19 situation - we question the promises of politicians; business can no longer be conducted on a handshake; parents have good reason to sometimes doubt their own children; and even those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus don't always do what we say we will do!

Solomon says "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."(Eccles. 5:5); while Paul advises the Colossian disciples of Jesus: "... whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col 3:17). In the Book of Psalms, the shepherd-king of Israel, David, asks the question: "YHWH, who may go and find refuge and shelter in Your tabernacle up on Your holy hill?" (Ps 15:1; TLB). He then supplies the answer: "Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere ... [and] keeps a promise even if it ruins him," (vs 2-4).

So how does this apply to you, and to me? Do you keep your word, even if it costs you? Do I? For example, when we promise to pray for someone, do we actually do so - and for more than a couple of days? When we tell others that they can depend on us - can they? When we agree to deal with financial obligations on time - do we? Not one of us is perfect, but when we fail, do we admit our mistakes without making all sorts of excuses?

If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then we most certainly should - and if we aren't living like that, then we need to confess; seek the forgiveness that He gained for us at Calvary; accept it, and allow God the Holy Spirit to work freely in our lives.

May each of us do so - for our own good, and for the glory of the Father.

Advance Notice!! This post leads on to the next one - so watch this space, later in the week!