Words out of Fashion – Vow

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that we only use this word in certain contexts currently.  Those contexts, however, are vital.  The primary usage for those who do not believe as I do is in marriage. 

The problem is that we do not seem to realize that the lack of use indicates the importance of the matter.  The use of “vow” indicates the solemn nature of what is being promised.

vow [vou]

Noun

·         a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment: marriage vows; a vow of secrecy.

·         a solemn promise made to a deity or saint committing oneself to an act, service, or condition.

·         a solemn or earnest declaration.

Verb (used with object)

·         to make a vow of; promise by a vow, as to God or a saint: to vow a crusade or a pilgrimage.

·         to pledge or resolve solemnly to do, make, give, observe, etc.: They vowed revenge.

·         to declare solemnly or earnestly; assert emphatically (often followed by a clause as object): She vowed that she would take the matter to court.

·         to dedicate or devote by a vow: to vow oneself to the service of God.

A vow is a guarantee.  It is something that binds someone to a course of action, a person, or a life choice.  This is one of those instances where what God has to say on the matter, well matters.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 The Amplified Bible (AMP)

4-6 When you vow a vow or make a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God has no pleasure in fools (those who witlessly mock Him). Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not allow your mouth to cause your body to sin, and do not say before the messenger [the priest] that it was an error or mistake. Why should God be [made] angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

Vows are one way streets.  Unfortunately we have become a culture where this is not understood.  It is still true but we live as if it is not.  Whether it is marriage, faith, or civil a vow is binding even when we no longer want it to be binding. 

I have violated this truth and the consequences still echo throughout my life.  I have watched others violate vows and the slow but incessant consequences continue.   Those who make vows to God and think they are free of them because they stop believing are in serious error. It is true that vows are serious matters.

I must keep the vows that I have made that are not beyond my reach.  I must not judge or be unloving to those who do not do the same.  I must also see that failing to keep a vow to God does have consequences that are unavoidable.  I realize it is not popular but vows are never things that fall out of fashion with God.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."