The Ultimatum is Devious!

"An Ultimatum" definition: a demand to agree to do something with negative consequences if we do not agree!

When someone gives you an ultimatum, they are attempting to trap you into doing what they want before you have time to think about it. When someone does this it is wise to immediately decline their request.. There have only been a couple of times in my life that someone wanted an immediate answer to something, when this happens my automatic response is "no.'

Ultimatums are designed to catch you off guard, causing you to quickly do without thinking whatever they want. It is a favored tactic of those who wish to control you.

It is harder to get out of something we have agreed to do than it is to say no in the beginning.

No one should ever expect us to do things without thinking about what they want. When we act rashly because of an ultimatum, we are less likely to turn back and refuse to do it afterward. The pressure to keep our word is too strong to easily change our mind.

There is always the next tactic that is used when we agree to do something we were pressured to do, and that is to accuse us of reneging on our "promise" if we decide not to do that thing.

When we agree to something then change our mind after we realize we made a mistake, it is not received well. Agreeing to do something is seen by many people as a promise with no out.

When we agree to something after being pressured to make the commitment, we still have the option of changing our minds. If we took an oath or made a promise that is more binding.

Agreeing to do something is not a promise! Its always best not to make oaths or promises, but merely agreeing to do something is not a promise or an oath.

There have been a few times in my life when others would pressure me to do something for which I did not have all the information to make an informed decision. After thinking about what was asked of me, I had to go back and tell those who asked that I had time to think and pray about their request and did not have peace about agreeing.

It is always best to think and pray about a request for a time before answering to avoid the misunderstandings about promises and oaths. Any pressure to act immediately shows a lack of concern for us and perhaps a desire to exert control over us.

Relationships cannot be based on ultimatums!

James 5:12
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."