Green Box

Albert E. Farley

My father, William Howard Farley, Sr., told a story that teaches the importance of keeping promises. His father, Floyd Farley, owned a small store at the bottom of Bull Mt. in Wayne County. The area was called “the Foot of the Hill” and is where my mother now lives. Grandpa Farley sold on credit. One of his customers promised, on his honor, he would pay his debt on a certain day. He said something like, “If I’m not here to pay this bill, I’ll be dead.” The day came but the man did not. Soon, Grandpa Farley began telling his customers, “Did you hear the news about Uncle … ? He died.” The word spread, and the people were shocked. Finally, the “dead” customer appeared and chastised Grandpa. “What do you mean telling everyone in the country that I died?” Grandpa reminded him of his solemn promise and held him to it. The man paid his store bill and fumed out. I can only believe he was more faithful in keeping his promises. Psalm 15:4.

The Lord has kept – and will keep – every promise He has ever made. He not only keeps His vows, but He also does so on time! When some questioned the promise of His coming, Peter answered, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night …” 2 Peter 3:1-13. The word slack means, “slow; to delay; tarry.” The Lord is not tardy or late. He has never revealed the day of His coming. He has not come because He is longsuffering, not willing that one soul perish!

Dear friends, what of your vow and promise to God? If you are not a Christian after the New Testament order, become one today through your faith in God and in Christ, your true repentance of your sins, your confession of faith in Christ before others, and your baptism into Christ for the remission of your sins. Make a life-time promise to be faithful and true. Do not take your vow lightly; do not allow anything or anybody to deter you from keeping your promise. Will you not come to Him today? Jesus will come, someday. Will you be ready?

Our circulation last month was 2,813. We need more individual and congregational subscriptions to carry out our plans and objectives. Will you help? Thank you for your prayers and work on behalf of the paper. –Albert.

Return to West Virginia Christian