“When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?” (2 Corinthians 1:17).
TEXT — 2 Corinthians 1:15-24
Message
Few things are as disappointing as a broken promise. A broken promise raises and crashes hope, thereby inflicting emotional injuries causing a loss of opportunities and trust. The promise-breaker also suffers a loss of reputation and, in some cases, contends with guilt. A broken promise is, therefore, a two-edged sword that spares none. Unfortunately, some folks habitually make flimsy promises, break them at will, and do not care a dime about the consequences of their action.
Apostle Paul dissociates himself from the ungodly habit of breaking promises in today’s text. That he did not visit the church at Corinth as earlier promised was misconstrued by some disgruntled elements in the church who made a big issue of it and accused him of not being trustworthy. The apostle refuted the allegation and maintained that he did not change his mind at will or without a good reason. He explained that his decision to defer his planned trip was necessitated by his desire to spare them the severe disciplinary action their wrongdoing might have invoked at the time. Instead, he sent a corrective epistle to them with the desired effect of repentance among them.
This passage of the Scripture highlights Apostle Paul’s commitment to and care for believers. His earlier stay with them conferred many spiritual blessings through the faithful teaching of God’s word. The aborted second visit was designed to give them further blessing. We must cherish the opportunities for spiritual nourishment and encourage the vessels God uses in this regard. The apostle’s “yea yea, and nay nay” (not yea and nay) stance is expected of every Christian. It is not in the believer’s character to be inconsistent or unreliable. God is faithful, and so are His promises, which come true and are fulfilled in Christ.
Everything associated with God is holy. If we are God’s children, His grace will enable us to reflect His holiness in everything we do, including our thoughts, attitudes, communications, actions, and reactions. Part of this is keeping our promises.
Thought for the day
Check your spiritual content to see if your words are louder than your positive performance.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
More grace for him