Scripture
I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break. Judges 11:36

Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:114-15

Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? 1 Corinthians 1:17

Observation
Three times in three readings today I see the value of vows to God and others.

Vows are good. It is true that vows have a high price tag and because of that cost we can get the impression that we are to avoid making them. But that is not the case. Vows are valuable because they bring great reward. Just think of the vow I made to Leslie 27 years ago. I have the reward of decades of happiness, a home, children, and constant love. Vows make relationships richer and stronger. In my life I have made a small number of vows. I’ve promised to love my wife until death. I have publicly vowed to dedicate my children to the Lord and raise them for his glory. I have vowed to a few men to be their faithful friend. Most of all, I have vowed my life to Jesus Christ as his follower and as a pastor. Those vows have drawn me closer to others and enable me to know in advance what decisions I must make. I’m thankful for the vows that guide my life.

But vows must be kept. The story in Judges of a commander and his only daughter and the cost of his vow to God is there to remind that vows matter and must be fulfilled. It is better to avoid promises if they cannot be kept. It is good to remember vows that we have made and ask how we can better keep them. But it would be wrong to avoid vows and promises, for they are the words that make life work.

Application
Our words matter. I need to remember that as I speak them and as I reflect on what I’ve promised. I heard yesterday some advice that whenever I am asked to help someone, that I should repeat verbally their request as I make the promise so that I will take seriously its commitment. If I cannot keep it, I should avoid it. And that I should write down every promise that I make and regularly review the vows I have made to God and others.

Prayer
Father, you have set the example for me of faithfulness to your promises. Help me to be a son worthy of the name I bear and keep my promises as you do. Amen.