He made a promise to his best friend, but now his friend lay dead on a mountaintop.
Davey and Johnny were best buds and had been since they were young. Davey’s family farmed while Johnny’s came from the upper class. Despite their cultural differences, Davey and Johnny managed to maintain their friendship.
Johnny’s dad, however, was leery of Davey. Though Davey came from the lower class, he saw potential in him—potential that might carry him far in life. So, he gave him a job at his company—but with ulterior motives. He thought Davey’s sharp mind might help his company move forward.
As Johnny’s dad aged, he planned for Johnny to take over the company after his retirement or death. But Johnny had no interest in the company and secretly wanted Davey to run the business. He even made Davey promise to care for his family if something happened to him. (He seemed to have eerie premonitions.)
Johnny’s premonition materialized. He and his father were tragically killed while on the way to negotiate with a firm that was their staunchest competitor. Davey kept his promise, though, ran the business, and even cared for Johnny’s disabled son. He could have forgotten his promise and pursued his own interests, but he chose to honor his friend by keeping his word.
Being as good as our word is a high goal for which to reach—but a worthy one. A person’s word was once enough … with perhaps a handshake to follow. Not anymore. Although we live in an age of paperwork that protects us and the one to whom we’re making promises, our word should be as good as if there were no paperwork. Our promises should not be made lightly.
Breaking a promise should never enter our minds. Only under extenuating circumstances and unusual conditions should we renege on our word. Keeping our word is important, even if it inconveniences us. Taking care of Johnny’s disabled son certainly did Davey.
Perhaps more than anything else, keeping promises exemplifies our faithfulness to God. When we’re serious about keeping our promises to God—as he is about keeping his to us—we’ll find it easier to keep our word to others.
When you give your word, keep it.
Father, help me understand how important it is to keep my word to others.
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