Devotionals

Personal HonorKeeping Your Word

by Steve Cohen
02/15/13
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In life, nothing is predictable, there are no guarantees. Plans go bust and dreams dissolve, expectations always fall short because they're based on selfish desires. Life is short, and is filled with disappointment after disappointment; sadness reigns and dominates.

Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes written by King Solomon? Talk about depressing! Life is as life always was; nothing has changed.

What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.  [Ecclesiastes 3:15]

And you thought your earthly life was important; well it is to you anyway. You struggle to find happiness and fulfillment; how each of us want to be loved and accepted. We dress like our friends, wear the latest fashions, speak the dialect of the "cool" crowd, covet the newest gadgets, and so on; emptiness. It doesn't really matter what we do to get accepted, lying or exaggeration doesn't even work; it only makes us end up looking like fools.

So what is life all about anyway? What really matters?

How many vows have you made in your life...and kept? Do you keep your word? Do you value your personal honor and walk in integrity?

Have you ever thought about your personal honor?

Honor is established when our words meet our hearts and agree. Honor is commitment, and no commitment is made before careful thought. Honor is selflessness and values empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and truth. Honor is personal and is our life's signature. What do people see when they look upon your honor? Do you have any?

Have you given your heart to God? Have you given your heart to your spouse? What about to your children? Have you thought about your personal honor concerning these vows?

As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don't make rash promises, and don't be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool. When you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to Him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Don't let your mouth make you sin. And don't defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and He might wipe out everything you have achieved. Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.
[Ecclesiastes 5:1-7]

Your earthly life is important to God also, but He expects you to keep your the vows that you have made; especially to Him.

...Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.  [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14]

Personal honor...keeping your word. Think about it.

Blessings...

Steve J. Cohen

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