I’ve got two children. A daughter in year four at GCC and a son that is three years old that has pre-enrolled. Our children are approximately six years apart. As you can imagine they do not always see eye to eye, especially about what goes on the television. However, they both agree on one show: Bluey. Recently, I was sucked into the Bluey vortex because I appreciate the adult humour hidden throughout.

It was the episode titled: Promises. If you haven’t seen this particular episode, because you’re too mature or lack a child under the age of ten, the following is what occurs. Mum tries to get Bluey to pick up her puzzle because the children are about to go to the Trampoline Park with Dad. She promises Mum to clean the puzzle up when she’s completed it. When driving to the Trampoline Park, Bluey asks Dad can they go to the library. Dad says no because they are going to the park. Then Bluey asks can they go to the library afterwards. Dad says, “Yes”, and Bluey gets him to promise. Well, they spend way longer than expected at the Trampoline place and on the way home Bluey asks can we go to the Library. Dad responds, “No because it’s closed.” Bluey reminds Dad of his promise. Later, just before bedtime, Bluey is still upset at Dad because of his broken promise. Then Mum yells from another room, “Where is she?” Mum enters the bedroom scene and reminds Bluey that she has not picked up the puzzle as promised.  Dad of course laughs because Bluey has broken a promise of her own. Then they all agree that you should keep your promises, no matter what.

Our children are always watching us. Picking up on everything we do and say. I’m trying to produce children that tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. However, sometimes I do not always follow through with my promises. Our kids notice. Why, should we follow through with our promises? Well because God does.

In the Bible, Numbers 23:19 says,

“God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind.
Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?”

The thought is rhetorical one, but God always delivers on his promises no matter what. Still not convinced? Here’s more proof in Hebrews 6:18a,

“So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.

So, if we are created in his image (Genesis 1:27) and a true reflection of him (2 Corinthians 3:18) then we should strive to keep our promises to our children – NO MATTER WHAT, even if that means playing “toddler” at the library.

Sydney Moore, College Pastor