A Devotional Based on the Parable of the Two Sons found in Matthew 21:  28-31

A Devotional Based on the Parable of the Two Sons

found in Matthew 21:  28-31

My Word is My Bond

 

²⁸ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.

²⁹ He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

³⁰ And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

³¹ Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first…

Matthew 21:28-31(KJV)

In the parable of the two sons the first son initially refused to work in his father’s vineyard, but reconsidered and did what he was asked to do.  The second son, however, committed to do the work but did not keep his vow.  Keeping one’s word is so very important. A person’s integrity can actually be measured by how he keeps his word. Of course, we realize that occasionally we may make a commitment to do a thing, but circumstances may change, making it impossible to do what was promised.  In such a case, one should go to or contact the person to whom the promise was made and report the change in plans as soon as possible.  A lie is a statement told to deceive another individual.  If there was no intent to deceive, then the person making the commitment is not guilty of telling a lie.

Keeping our commitment to God is even more important than our promises to our fellow man.  Listen to what Deuteronomy 23:21-23 says about vows made to God:

²¹ When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

²² But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

²³ That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Make a new commitment to guard your tongue and keep commitments made with your mouth.  Your words are powerful and they represent you, your integrity and your character.  Broken vows to God can even be sin that will be counted against you.

Prayer:  Father help me to keep promises made to others, but more particularly to you.  Give me a heart to guard my words and to back each spoken word with honesty, decency and truth.   In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.