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Key Bible Verse: We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have been honest and sincere in all our dealings (2 Corinthians 1:12). Bonus Reading: Genesis 47:29–31; 50:1–9

David Livingstone, the 19th-century missionary, decided to explore Africa from the interior to the west coast, traversing over 1,000 uncharted miles. He asked a local chief to permit 27 of his tribe's young men to accompany him. The old chief, wary from bitter experiences with white men, reluctantly agreed after Livingstone pledged, "If you lend me your sons, I promise to return with them."

After months in tropical terrain filled with dangerous animals, hostile tribes, and diseases, Livingstone's party reached the coastal port.

To his amazement, Livingstone found a British warship anchored in the harbor, sent from England to return him to London. The captain's message: "Queen Victoria has sent me to urge you to come. All England is waiting to honor you, sir." But he'd made a promise! The captain scoffed. How could a promise to a black chief stand against the request of his queen?

Livingstone disagreed. A promise-keeping Lord, he maintained, requires promise-keeping followers. He set off back through the jungle, arriving two and a half years after he'd made his promise. The Africans never forgot that; they loved Livingstone for it.

—Gary Inrig in Whole Marriages in a Broken World

My Response: To what extent are my standards grounded in God's character?

Thought to Apply: Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder. —George Washington)

Adapted from Whole Marriages in a Broken World (Discovery, 1996) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

I thank You, Father, that You are a promise-keeping God. Give me the backbone to reflect Your character.

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