When I make a promise, I like to believe that it is forever, and as I know it, they have been. But have I really ever stated it to be that way. God has and does continually.
“14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” — Genesis 9:14-16 (ESV)
God’s promise of not destroying the earth or all that is on it, by water again is “everlasting”. God has even given a sign to Himself and to us as a reminder of that promise. I can only be grateful of this reminder each and every day.
This morning I wonder as I read, if there is some sort of reminder that I can have for me and others that what I say I mean and that is what I will do. Is there a reminder that I can use to keep my promises front of mind. I know that there is, I just have to remember to tap into that reminder daily. That reminder is Christ.
Each year I choose “One Word” that I use as my guide in changing or driving my approach for that year and onward. This practice I began after reading the book by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page, “One Word that will change your life”. This word is not something that is just picked from the air and then broadcast for the world to “see”. There is thought and prayer and contemplation in the choosing of this yearly “One Word” and then once I have chosen, I have a bracelet made for my daily wear and reminder of that word for the year. I believe that there is the opportunity to do this with the promises I make to others in the name of Christ.
I know that there are a lot of people out there that are wearing a cross each day. That cross being worn is for a number of reasons and I am certainly not going to pass judgment on anyone’s motives. I will say that what a reminder that will be of the promise God made with us and we should be carrying that promise on to others. I have to not only have the reminder of the promise from Christ, but I can use that reminder for me and the promises made to others. It is up to me to be reminded of the promises I have made to others so that I will know that the promise was forever.
God gave himself and us a reminder (rainbow) of His covenant to not destroy the world with water ever again and each time He and we see that reminder. I have to remember the everlasting covenant that was established and know that when I make promises, they too must be everlasting.
Your promises, what timeline do you place on them? Are you making promises on the surface and not establishing them forever? What if you took each promise as forever and utilized a reminder of that forever to keep that promise?
Trevor's Thoughts 