“Yes, I’ll be there next Sunday.” The good intention of, “You have my word on it!” A commitment sealed. Then Friday comes and a better offer is made for Sunday. “Hey, here are free corporate tickets to the Grand Prix on Sunday…want them?”
What to do?
Just like King Darius, who was trapped by his words. His administrators fearful of being shown up by an excellent administrator, tricked the king into a decree that would seal Daniel’s demise.
Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing.
Daniel 6:5-9
The king’s word had to stand. If it didn’t, then the king could not reign. He would be a double minded man and the people would have no confidence, or trust, in him any longer.
Daniel, his integrity strong, continued to worship God and the kings decree was broken – as planned by Daniel’s enemies, and who promptly informed the king.
When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.
Daniel 6:14
Even though the king was greatly distress, and tried to find a way around this, he had to honour his word. His word was to stand… regardless of the consequences!
Let me ask this: Do you get invited somewhere, agree to attend, and at the last minute ‘change your mind’ because something else came up that was far better to go to?
Does your word stand, regardless of the cost?
Are you known to be a person of integrity, one who keeps their word?
Remember, integrity can never be taken away, it can only be given away. And we know how valuable integrity is.
Maybe next time you are asked to commit to something, you might consider to take a little pause and determine if your answer is one you will keep, regardless of the cost.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.
James 5:12
Yes, the offer to the Grand Prix was turned down. Not happy, but at least I have kept my integrity for another day.