I recently upgraded my vehicle from a 2014 Terrain to a 2017 Terrain. I now had to sell my 2014 vehicle. I mentioned it to my neighbour, and right away, she said that she was interested. Thinking that it needed only brakes, I committed to a price, and said that I would get a safety check and have it certified.

A call from the garage, however, informed me that it needed a few more things that would cost $1,500 plus safety check, plus tax. I gave them the go-ahead to fix everything that was needed.

The next day, however, the vehicle would not start. Only a GMC service provider with the correct passcode had the right to get it started. Now, it required a tow truck to take it to the dealership. The diagnosis was $499, the rear differential clutch module was $599, and the labour to replace the clutch module and set up the programmed module was $625. Wow! Now, my bill was $3,519.88.

Some people advised me that I was selling the car too cheaply, and that because of the high cost of repairs, I should charge more for the vehicle. They said, "Just explain what it cost you for repairs."

I believe that God has a way of educating us through real-life experiences. What I learned from this occurrence is that when I upgrade a vehicle and want to sell the old one, I should get a safety check done before I commit to a selling price.

I had made a commitment through my spoken words. I agreed to a price and said that it would be certified roadworthy. My word means more to me than trying to make excuses about why I should charge more for the vehicle.

I believe that Christians need to act like God, for "the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8b NKJV) and "the entirety of Your word is truth" (Psalm 119:160 NKJV) The Bible is God's Word. His instructions never change, and His promises are never broken. Have faith in His Word and obey it. Treasure the Lord's Word, "for the word of God will never fail." (Luke 1:37 NLT)

How many times have we made promises to our children and had to break them? Before we make any promise, we need to consider carefully the consequences of not living up to our word.

People judge us — and our Christian faith — based on the truth of our word. The words that we speak are indications of our character. Can we be depended upon to do as we say?

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, remind us always to live by our word. Give us the wisdom to think it through before making a promise, and give us the strength to carry through. Thank You that Your inspired words in the Bible can guide us to a better life. May we listen carefully to Your instructions and teachings and be guided by Your Word. May we keep Your Word close to our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Larry Fisher <larryfisher17@gmail.com>
Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
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