Soldier's Orders: Oaths & No-Out Contracts

Lord, who may dwell in Your sacred tent?
Who may live on Your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless,
Who does what is righteous,
Who speaks the truth from their heart;
Whose tongue utters no slander,
Who does no wrong to a neighbor,
And casts no slur on others;

Who despises a vile person
But honors those who fear the Lord;
Who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
And does not change their mind;

Who lends money to the poor without interest;
Who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)

When someone takes an oath as a soldier, it's a decidedly no-out contract. “What-have-I-done?” regrets, second-guessing, or better offers are irrelevant. He’s in it to win it– no matter what.

When someone commits his life to Jesus, it's a decidedly no-out contract. Faking it, dereliction of duty, and idolatry are punishable. He follows His Captain– no matter what.

God says, when someone makes a commitment to Him OR ANYONE ELSE, it’s an oath, bond, pledge, promise, and a no-out contract! A change of mind (no matter the reason) is sinful in the government of God.

'If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth' (Numbers 30:2).

A deal is a deal. Even a bad deal. Consider Joshua's service record. Moses’ key man seemed flawlessly faithful, but made one error in the Promised Land, seemingly from mistaken compassion. (Plus, he forgot to ask God about it.)

SIDEBAR: He made a deal with the Gibeonites, who had concealed their true identity– to avoid fighting the army of God. When their sly deception was discovered, God told Joshua to keep the bad deal… because an oath is a no-out contract.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

On Earth today, reneging on contracts, breaking promises, and changing our minds… are standard operating procedures. We get mad when people do it to us. But do we honor our own commitments?

Jesus advises us NOT to make vows.* So when it’s possible, keep it simple. Let your Yes STAY Yes and your No STAY No.

But sometimes, business demands a contract. Therefore, whether by mouth or by paper, keep your commitments, even when they hurt.** Because Jesus did, does, and always will.

When others DON’T do what they say they will, be the exception. Be faithful models in a faithless world.

Soldier’s Orders: Oaths & No-Out Contracts (Part 27)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Matthew 5:33-37: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:33-37&version=NKJV