If You Say You Will Do It, Then Do It

If You Say You Will Do It, Then Do It

“If you say you're going to do something, do it. Keep the vow you willingly vowed to God, your God. You promised it, so do it.” — Deuteronomy 23:23

One of the things that unsettles me the most is when people go back on their word. It leaves a bitter taste, and I know I’m not alone—no one enjoys being disappointed by broken promises. The truth is, God also takes our words seriously.

Our text is clear: If you say you’re going to do something, do it. There will always be reasons—sometimes even valid ones—tempting you to pull back. Life happens, circumstances shift, and unexpected challenges arise. But even so, you should not become known as someone whose words carry no weight.

People can tell when something is genuinely beyond your control. And when that happens, the honourable thing is to communicate openly rather than silently abandoning your commitment.

Most of us try our best to keep our word to others, but the hardest promises to keep are often the ones we make to ourselves. We say, “I’ll start tomorrow… I’ll stop that habit… I’ll be more disciplined…” yet we break those private vows again and again. And because only we know the reasons behind our failures, we easily excuse ourselves.

But this is where it begins: If you can’t keep your word to yourself, you’ll struggle to keep your word to others. The habit of excusing yourself in private becomes practice for excusing yourself in public. Conversely, learning to honour your private commitments strengthens your ability to honour your external ones.

So, if you say you will do something, do it—before God, to yourself, and to others. No more empty promises. No more unnecessary excuses. Let your word carry weight.

You promised it.
So do it.

Reflection

Keeping your word is more than a moral duty—it is an expression of integrity and trustworthiness. It reveals who you are when no one is watching. God honours people whose words can be trusted, because it reflects His own character. When we speak, may our words echo His faithfulness.

Prayer

Lord, give me the grace to honour my commitments to You, to myself, and to others. Strengthen my resolve, purify my intentions, and help me to walk in integrity. Let my words carry truth and reliability, just as Your Word never fails. Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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