It’s a common problem. Promises are made with good intentions until life gets in the way. The constant wave of tasks and assignments can push promises further down the list of growing priorities. After a few days, promises are slowly forgotten.
The butler of Genesis 40-41 is often viewed critically. Joseph interpreted the dreams of the Butler and the Baker while in prison. The payment Joseph requested was “…only remember me…” (Genesis 40:14). The butler agreed and three days later was restored from prison to his post at Pharaoh’s side. No doubt Joseph remained in prison waiting. The butler was consumed with the constant tasks of serving, tasting, and waiting. He didn’t intentionally deceive Joseph. Life interfered with his commitment. Two years went by until Pharaoh’s dream jogs the memory of the Butler. Suddenly he remembered the man in prison who knew dreams.
As critical as we might be of the butler, we have made the same mistake. We have made commitments and promises that we failed to keep because life interfered. We did not intend to lie or deceive but other important duties and responsibilities caused us to forget. How can we keep from making the same mistake? Here are some suggestions:
Fulfill commitments early. The butler had the opportunity to keep his commitment to Joseph. He could have requested a pardon for Joseph immediately after his release. Often we procrastinate when promises are concerned. The decision to “do it tomorrow” causes us to forget our promise. If you want to keep your word, do it early and often.
Think of others first. It is likely the butler was consumed with work for one reason-he wanted to stay out of prison. The butler forgot Joseph. Often we fail to keep promises because we focus on our needs first. While we want to fulfill our obligations to others, we also want to provide for ourselves: doing our job, providing for our family, and making our life successful takes on a higher priority. Put others first will ensure that we keep our commitments to them.
Intend to keep your promises. The butler didn’t intend to deceive Joseph with his promise. It may be that he didn’t intend to be truthful. So often we fail to keep promises because while we don’t intend to lie we don’t intend to do the right thing. The core concept here is purpose. Make it a purpose to keep your commitments.
Children of God should be the highest examples of promise-keeping. Christians should be the example of fulfilling commitments. That won’t happen unless it is a high priority.
What about the other side of failed promise keeping? Joseph sat for two years waiting and wondering. No where in the Genesis account do we read of Joseph giving the butler a tongue lashing. Why is that? Joseph understood God was in control. This is clearly seen after Joseph meets his brothers (Genesis 45:5-8). We need to remember if we are the forgotten promise of someone else that God works in His time. We know clearly from the story that Joseph was revealed to Pharaoh in the proper time for an exact purpose. God clearly was in control. The failed promises we may focus on may indeed be a result of God’s providence working. Our response should not be anger and frustration. Instead we should be longsuffering and wait on the Lord patiently. We should consider that it may not be God’s plan for us at all. Rather than allow the failed promises of this life to malign us, we should trust in God to provide for us realizing we often fail to understand His plan.
May God help us to remember our commitments and trust in Him.
