Let Your "Yes" Be "Yes"

Cynthia will never forget a special time with her father when she was twelve years old.  They’d planned it for months!  Finally, the big day had arrived.  Their night on the town was to include China-town, a movie, cable cars, and hot fudge sundaes.

So she traveled with her dad on a business trip to San Francisco.  After his meetings, her dad returned to the hotel.  But with him was an influential client, who invited them to dinner.

Cynthia held her breath.  Would her father choose the client over her?  Would all their plans be ruined?  Cynthia sighed with relief when her father politely declined.  He explained he’d planned a special evening with his daughter.  Cynthia loved her dad for keeping his promise!

Her dad understood the importance of keeping his word, especially to his daughter.  In Matthew 5:33 we’re told, “Do not break your oath…Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”  It’s as simple as that.

Keeping your word is one of the most obvious indicators of the kind of character you have. It is particularly important to your children.  Not only do they observe how you keep your word with others, but they also have good memories.  And they trust you.  When you don’t keep your promises to them, they will remember, and your failure will chip away at their implicit trust.

Dear friend I know sometimes it is difficult, but to the best of your ability, keep your promises to your children.  By doing so, you are demonstrating to them that at least one of the two adults they count on most in the world is worthy of their trust.  It will give them a security that is invaluable.  That kind of atmosphere will help them grow and you will develop a closer relationship with them.  And in you, it will build an honorable character!

By Vonette Bright

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