Vows are not only for marriage they’re anything you commit, pledge, or promise to do. It’s crucial to keep your vows because it shows you respect and value people and it builds character. Trust and loyalty is created and people will want to be in a relationship with you. You lose credibility with empty words accompanied by selfish motives. There can be severe consequences for not keeping your vows.
Committing to keeping your vows is not only for others it’s also for you. It’s easy to give up when we don’t know what the future holds, it gets a little tough, or we’re unsure. An open mind and heart to receive new God opportunities are important. Don’t give up, you may just need to pivot.
Promises, pledges, and commitments
I know sometimes we think it’s not a big deal when we promise to do something and break it, but it becomes a big deal when someone does that to us. See, people are counting on us, and even though it may not be as important to you, it is to them. Some things are important to you that others may not place a high priority on, but they show up for you. When we promise, pledge, and commit we must follow up and follow through. As Christians, our goal is that Christ is seen in and through us. If we say we are going to do something and don’t, that makes us a liar and a hypocrite. That behavior causes our integrity, commitment, and support to be questioned.
Communicate
One of the worse things you can do is commit to doing something and then go missing in action. No phone call or you don’t answer your phone. It’s like you fell off the face of the earth. As soon as you have a need, you appear to be everywhere and available. If you are unable to keep your obligation, you need to be honest about it and communicate that right away. Try to offer other options and be compassionate, because you may be putting them in a bind. Be mindful of other people’s time, it’s valuable just like yours. As time ticks away because of our lack of communication, that’s precious time stolen from someone else.
Put yourself in the place of others
It’s easy to become self-absorbed about the things that have meaning to us and lose sight of others. We become less likely to put ourselves in the place of others because we elevate our circumstances above theirs. Breaking promises, commitments, and vows becomes easier when all we think about is ourselves. If we are not careful we can become callous and numb. Be thankful to the Lord when you are on the mountain top, but remember everything has a season. When you are brought low it’s much easier for people to rally around you when you have put yourself in the place of others.
In conclusion
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, Matthew 5:37 KJV. Your yes or no spoken should be enough to validate your commitment and build trust. We must say what we mean and mean what we say, with love. Unfortunately, we have diminished the value of our words with selfish agendas. The great thing about this is, it can be reversed by starting to keep our promises, pledges, and commitments. It may take time and it will take effort, but if we do what we say and put others first, trust and loyalty can be rebuilt.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Does your yes mean yes and your no mean no?
- Have you broken your vows?
- Do you need to make it right with someone?
- Have you elevated yourself or circumstances and lost sight of others?
Oh two things come to my mind. One with the Lord. If I tell God I am going to do something and especially for HIM, I feel that accountability and makes me want to keep my word to HIM! It’s the least I could do!!!
Also with my kids. If I tell my daughter I am going to read her a book in bed before she falls asleep. We have this special hand shake that means I promise I will. One night I landed in the ER and I couldn’t keep this promise. So the next time she did look at me like are you sure.? But I explained last time was not planned. It truly is important. Especially in a marriage too. I know I fall short and need GODS help daily with this. Bc even if my husband is being un lovable …… I committed my marriage before the Lord. Thanks Carol. I’m going to take this into the rest of my week and pray and ask God to show me more where I might need help. Thanks for the truth. Even when it’s not comfortable to share. You do it so well through the Holy Spirit. Love you friend.
Ashley, Keeping our vows in every area is so important. Praise God you are honoring that with your husband and children!!!
Wow… another heavy BUT necessary post! As I was reading I was reminded of the scripture..Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This seems so simple but yet so hard to do.
It is not normal practice for me to make vows to others them break them and especially without good cause. In fact it’s just the opposite. I will over commit myself then wonder why did I agree to that
As a result of that I tend to not be as diligent when it comes to keeping certain vows or commitments to myself. I’m learning more of how to create a balance.
Lisa, Overcommitting is a huge issue as well, thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate your comment!