Be Quick to Keep Your Promises to God

In review of Ecclesiastes 5:4 it says, “When you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible. He has no use for a fool. Do what you promise to do.” (GNT).

Solomon warns me about making foolish promises (vows) to God. Making a promise is a serious matter. A promise is offered voluntary, but once made, it shouldn't be changed. So it is foolish to make a promise to God and then break it. It would be better for me to not make a promise that I would break.

As the new year starts, I me be considering making some resolutions. Some might be commitments to myself, my career, or my family. Others may be promises to God. If I make a promise to God, I should be quick to keep it. Just like delayed obedience is disobedience, a delayed promise is an unfulfilled promise.

Another promise to keep, is to run quickly from temptation. With temptation, I’ll need both a preventative and an emergency tactic. Preventative tactics mean that I work to keep myself out of tempting situations. When I am being tempted, I should, “Run from all evil things” (1 Timothy 6:11 NLT).

When I feel tempted to do something self-defeating or dishonoring to God, I should move out of the situation rapidly. Also, I shouldn’t try to argue with temptation or fight it, because I’m going to lose. Therefore, If I’m watching something on television that tempts me to lust, change the channel. If I struggle with food, run far away from the refrigerator or pantry. 

One specific temptation God’s Word tells me is to run from in 1 Corinthians 10:14, it’s the worship of idols. Anything I put before God is considered an idol. Modern day idols aren’t statues, but rather what we carry in our wallets, watch or listen to, drive around in or live in.

Regardless of what my idols are and no matter what my temptations are, the strategy is clear: Run away. Don’t argue with them. Don’t fight them. Instead Run. If I don’t want to get stung by the bees, get away from the hive.

So as I enter into this new year, I can resolve to do two things quickly: Keep my promises to God, and to run from temptation.

In summary, when I make a promise, especially to God, keep it as quickly as possible. It's foolish to make a promise to God and then break it. Just like delayed obedience is disobedience, a delayed promise is an unfulfilled promise. Another promise to keep is to quickly from temptation. One specific temptation is the worship of idols (anything I put before God is considered an idol.) My strategy should be clear, run away, don't argue and don't try to fight them. This coming year, I can resolve to do two things quickly: keep my promises and to run from temptation.

Father this is a great reminder for me as I officially start the year. I pray that your Spirit helps me consider my promises, what I might be putting before you and what I need to run away from. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray and ask through your Son Jesus name, Amen.