A Promise is a Promise
Today’s Verse:
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. ~Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Are you someone who makes promises and keeps them? Have you ever been promised something, only to be disappointed that the promise was not kept? This morning, we want to consider a word much stronger than a promise: we want to examine the Scriptures concerning making vows to God.
There is the principle in a vow.
A vow is a pledge that is made verbally and confirmed in writing regarding an action that will be accomplished. Vows are very strong words of a commitment to something or someone involving effort, loyalty, and the expectation of fulfillment. We think of marriage vows in this context. A marriage vow is a pledge between a man and a woman to be lawfully wedded and committed to each other in a relationship. Vows to God are pledges of commitment and dedication.
There is the preciousness of a vow.
A vow is a commitment fueled by a passion and love for the one the vow is being made to. It is an indicator that the underlying relationship is one that is of utmost importance and that the vow is the means of giving assurance to that relationship. It instills a sense of confidence to the one the vow is being made to that he or she is loved. Vows to God are affirmations of our love for God and our desire to fulfill this love in action and attention.
There is the performance in a vow.
Solomon said, “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it.” The performance of a vow should be a priority. Once a vow is made, we must commit ourselves and our resources to accomplishing it. The performance of a vow should be prompt. "Defer not to pay it": this means don’t put it off and shrug it aside. We live in an era where promises and vows are not kept and people have no conscience about this. We should start off fast, strong, and committed in our vows. The performance of a vow should be protected. We should not let anything or anyone come between us and our vows. Once they are made, we need to have checkpoints to ensure that we have not let anything keep us from fulfilling them.
There is the precaution in a vow.
God hath no pleasure in a fool. It is better not to make a vow than to make it. "Be not rash with thy mouth": don’t speak off the top of your head. Vows should come from the bottom of our heart. Be absolutely sure that you are all-in and fully committed when it comes to making a vow. Be careful that you are not doing it to keep up with another Christian whom you envy. Make sure a vow is made because you love the Lord and seek to glorify Him through the accomplishing of it.
Vows are the building blocks for strong relationships. Be certain that you are willing and committed to fulfilling any pledges that you make. Don’t come to church with the idea of impressing people with your many words. Come to church with the desire of strengthening your relationship with God and making vows with the purpose of demonstrating your love for Him.
Have a committed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Job 35-37