Some people make New Year’s resolutions. I’ll be honest. I don’t make them. Why? Because I don’t keep them. I’ll be willing to say many of you made a resolution a month ago and already you’re wondering what happened to them. I can tell you what happened. You weren’t resolute. I know, that’s pretty obvious, right? Let’s turn it around. Are you resolute when you talk to your kids? Do you say things like: “I promise. I’ll spend time with you next weekend.” Or, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure I’m at your next game.” Like it or not, those are promises that can make or break trusting relationships. What does the Bible say? “Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no” (James 5:12 ESV). In other words, mean what you say and say what you mean.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: James 5:12,, Matthew 5:37