Vow
<<pledge>>
These are solemn promises or oaths to do certain things or abstain from doing others. They have three aspects: a deliberate and free promise, an act of devotion, and one made for the sake of a greater good. Vows are an undertaking, ranging from a promise to ‘only speak the truth’ in a court of law, to ‘honouring the commitment to your spouse’ at your wedding.
Vows involve sincerity and integrity, so should not be entered into lightly but only after counting the cost and understanding the consequences (Prov 20:25). Do not make rash, impulsive statements, for if honoured they will cause anguish of heart and have serious outcomes (Gen 31:32-35; Jdg 11:29-39). John the Baptist’s life was forfeited to honour a spur-of-the-moment foolish promise of the ruling authority (Mk 6:22-28).
“We are [easily] snared by the words of our own mouth” (Prov 6:2). God expects us to keep our word (unless meeting that promise leads to sin) even if it is costly, as reneging by not following through breaks trust which is harmful to any relationship (Ps 15:4). Joshua and the other leaders honoured their word even though they had been tricked by deceiving evidence (Josh 9:3-20).
a binding agreement, now even a signature is easily disregarded.
Do I keep my word?
Consider carefully before making promises to God. If you do make a vow, honour it quickly by fulfilling what you have said you will do (Deut 23:21-23; Ps 65:2; Eccl 5:2,4,5). Although many times we fail to keep our vows, God has made some promises to us, which He will never break but most are dependent on us to fulfill our part for Him to honour His.
The wedding vows that speak of love, union and submission to one's spouse must be secondary to our individual love and obedience to God who always must be first in our lives (Ex 20:3; Mk 12:30). Unfortunately the 'till death parts us' vow is often broken through divorce somewhere during the marriage.
The Nazirite vow is voluntarily taken by individuals (men or women) who desire to yield themselves to God completely for a specific time span, with various restrictions and at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered (Num 6:1-21). Although normally of an individual’s choice Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist received the Nazirite vow from birth through their parents actions (Jdg 13:1-5; 1 Sam 1:11,22-28; Lk 1:13-17). In the NT we are urged to separate ourselves from the world and be a holy people consecrated to God (Rom 12:1,2; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:15).
Some religious groups and particularly the Roman Catholic Church traditionally require their priests and nuns to make vows of chastity and obedience. This anti-biblical obligation has done much damage to those to whom God has not gifted or called to be celibate (1 Cor 7:2,7,9). It has resulted in tremendous failures in the areas of adultery, fornication and the abuse of children.