Broken Promises
The Word
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.Matthew 15:18-19
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.Proverbs 18:21
Connecting our Heart and Mouth
We look at Simon Peter and say to ourselves, “we would never do that. We know Jesus and live for Him.” Though, how often do we speak without first looking at our own hearts? How many times have we betrayed our Savior in our actions and deeds?
We make promises to God and fail to keep them. Just look at Peter who said he would never deny Jesus, but failed to hold to this promise. Have we not done the same over and over again in our own lives?
“God, I promise that I will never again…
Seek another idol to worship.”
Look at another woman lustfully.”
Watch pornography.”
Gossip.”
Gamble.”
Do [input your own promise to God].”
Did you ever hold to this promise? If you did not, you have failed to live up to your words, just like Peter. Why couldn’t you hold yourself to the standard you promised that you would?
What can you do with a heart bent on evil and betrayal? The great and awesome news is that God never expects us to be perfect. We fail, but we are never meant to be condemned for it. God expects us to get up and try again. Peter never stayed down, but turned back to God with his full heart.
Paul speaks of this struggle in Romans.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!Romans 7:21;25
Application
Never forget that we aren’t meant to be perfect, but only to strive after this perfection. We are all sinners who miss the mark, and are in need of a Savior. Do not dwell on your faults, but believe that Jesus is there to pick you up as He did with Peter. We have a perfect and amazing God who shows compassion in our weaknesses and helps us in our struggles.
Don’t let promises be made or oaths taken. Instead, seek after God each and every day. Trust in Him and all else will fall in place.