The Christian experience is often described as a journey rather than a destination. Characterized by movement, adventure and discovery, life is not a peek from a stationary observation deck. The 91st psalm says, “The Lord watches over the sojourners; He upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin” (Psalm 91:11 ESV).
How is God aware of our “way” in our circumstances? What step does God want you to take?
Are you in need of substantial help to motivate or enable you to keep your promises – especially those you make to God? You are not alone. Consistently keeping promises requires support from others who are seeking the same goal. Some thirty years ago, the Promise Keepers organization was formed to enhance your ability to do so. Founded in 1990 by Bill McCartney, former coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes. His teams won a national title, along with three consecutive Big Eight championships (1989-1991).
The Promises Keepers articulate seven key promises that help form the integrity of a Christian man. There are other resources on their site to help you strengthen your character and your faith.
promises that matter
The Promise Keepers’ organization is built around the foundation of God’s Word. Since the very beginning, the group has held these seven promises in esteem about how to commit themselves to applying God’s Word in their lives. Let’s look at each of the promises in detail.
A Promise Keeper is …
- A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus through worship, prayer and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 95:1-7, Proverbs 3:5-6).
We understand honoring someone through our actions. We honor – give God glory – through our worship and prayer, and through how obedient we are to His Word. But we realize we do a pathetic job unless we rely upon the Holy Spirit. When we do these things right, the results are promises kept.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises (Ecclesiastes 4:12, Hebrews 10:24, 3 John 3-4).
We need each other. The phrase “one another” is used about a hundred times in ninety-four verses in the New Testament. Solomon offers two powerful analogies: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV) and “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV).
- A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical and sexual purity (Hebrews 4:15-16, Micah 6:6-8, Romans 6:19).
One of the most famous and long-lasting advertising slogans in American history touted that Ivory Soap was “99 44/100% pure. No additives or chemicals, not even bubbles of air, pure soap which allows it to float. The name was created by Harley Procter, the founder’s son, who was inspired by Psalm 45:8 KJV.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values (Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 6:4, Mark 10:6-9).
Many point to the breakdown of the family as the source of a host of civilization’s problems. A promise keeper would agree.
A Promise Keeper understands …
- A Promise Keeper understands that Jesus calls him to be His hands and feet, serving others with integrity. He purposely lifts up the leadership of the church and his nation in prayer (Acts 4:32-37, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Peter 4:8-11).
Serving is a foundational thread in the teaching and earthly ministry of Jesus. The desire to keep promises connects praying for leaders with the ability to carry out a promise. We need our leaders to make the right decisions so we can follow.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:14).
The heart of the prayers of Jesus and Paul is that the church would be united. Today we see the effects of a divided nation, and such a nation cannot stand. We need each other, battling arm in arm, to make this work.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 28:19-20, 2 John 4-6).
The last words given to the disciples by Jesus before He ascended into heaven encouraged and challenged them to make disciples. As they were going – through the normal avenues of life – they were to influence the world, casting a ray of light to those languishing in darkness. The influence was to help turn people away from the darkness and gently, with love, nudge them to the real truth found in God’s Messiah, Jesus Christ.
