Keep your Promises

“They make many promises, take false oaths and make agreements; therefore lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field.” Hosea 10:4 NIV

In an article titled, “Heptathlete Taliyah Brooks Brings Lawsuit Against USATF” published by Runner’s World Friday, the following was reported: In June 2021, an intense heatwave settled over the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures reached as high as 111 degrees in Eugene, Oregon, where the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials were being held. As the the dire forecasts made news before the event, USA Track & Field (USATF), the governing body for the sport, scrambled to reschedule some events for the safety of the athletes, including the women’s 10,000 meters, the men’s 5,000 meters, and the race walks. But they didn’t reschedule everything. The second day of women’s heptathlon, a two-day, seven-event competition, took place during the mid-afternoon of June 27, despite entreaties from athletes and their representatives to reschedule. Because of that, Taliyah Brooks, a top heptathlete, who was in second place after the first day of competition, collapsed amid the high temperatures and was forced to withdraw from the competition prompting her to initiate legal action against USATF.

And you know, when it comes to taking legal action against another person or entity, the Bible tells us that “lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field” when people break their promises, fail to keep their vows, and agree to do things they have absolutely no intention of doing. In other words, when a society is living contrary to God’s laws (as ours is today), there will be an abundance of people taking advantage of one another, defaming one another, and having a total lack of regard for the safety and welfare of one another; something that inevitably leads to litigation and court proceedings. 

So in a world where promises are continually broken, follow the example of Jesus my friend. Be true to your word, fulfill your vows, follow through on your commitments, and always look out for the interests of others so that others will see Christ in you and be inspired to follow Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how harmful it is to go back on our word. It not only leads to lawsuits but also destroys our testimony and hurts others. Help us to be people of integrity Lord that others would see You in us and seek You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!