Richard Roberts
One of the most important things that God has shown me in my life is that we are to be men and women of integrity; that we’re to keep our word. Don’t you just hate it when you see someone who says one thing and then does another? Don’t you hate it when they don’t keep their word? I do.
We need to realize that people are looking at us. People are watching us all the time. In our daily lives, they could be family members, neighbors, friends, or coworkers. They want to know if we live what we teach, if we do what we say we do, if we live the lifestyle we preach about. And if we make a promise, do we keep it?
In our private lives, our children look at us that way. They want to know if Mom and Dad are really going to keep their word. That brings to mind the Scripture in Proverbs 20:7: The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Now I realize there are times when it is impossible to keep a promise, and we need to go to a person and say, “I’m sorry that I’m not able to do what I promised, and this is the reason. But I know I gave you my word, and I’m going to find a way to keep my word and make it up to you at another time.” I’ve had to do that with my own children, and I’m sure you have too.
I’ve learned that when I give my word, I’ve got to keep my word or else I lose my integrity, I lose my believability. I’ve got to do what I say I’m going to do. I not only have to say it, but I’ve got to do it. Believe me, I ask for God’s direction every step of the way, every day of my life, as I want to be known as a person of integrity.
