Ideally, our word is our own. Maybe supported and encouraged by others, but ultimately reliable in its own right. Even when it’s difficult, uncertain, and not altogether fair, we remain committed to honoring the vows we have made.
Photo by Hean Prinsloo on Unsplash
It seems for many of us, our word is weak. It cannot stand on its own and is given only with a detailed list of terms and conditions.
We’ll follow through…
IF others will also do the same
IF a certain outcome is guaranteed
IF there is little risk of being hurt
It’s understandable we would want to play it safe. Why should we be the only ones to up hold our end of things? And if we can’t have certain guarantees, we might get hurt.
We’ve been hurt before. We know the pain of putting ourselves out there and meeting the indifference, rejection, if not outright ridicule from others.
This is not an experience we want to repeat and so we hedge our bets – our commitment will only be considered IF all the other conditions are met.
A more honorable path is simply being a man of our word.
For example, as an honorable man, our vow to love our wives is our commitment to love her for better or worse, in sickness and health.
This is our word, our promise, our solemn oath – that is not depended on her.
We love because this is who we are – committed even when the path is difficult, uncertain, and unfair.
Certainly, things are a lot easier when she commits to doing the same. But our word does not wait on hers.
As men of our word, we follow through on all God has given us – no longer dependent on others or circumstances, but only our deep commitment to live as honorable men.
Live honorably and let your word be strong. It makes all the difference.
