SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare for a person to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider their vows.
OBSERVATION:
We see this all too often in our culture. In a moment of passionate enthusiasm we dedicate ourselves, relationships, time, resources, etc. to the Lord only to go back on our word when we are no longer “feeling it.” We see this when we are afraid or in need. “God, if You will…, then I will give You…” God does, then we don’t keep up our end of the deal.
Often times, we start with good intentions in fasting, tithing, or we say we are going to give something up, then we give up after a short period of time. In some areas it seems that our devotion has little more weight than a New Year’s resolutions.
To devote something as holy means to set something apart for God’s purposes. For example, Hannah devoted Samuel to the Lord. It becomes a snare when we don’t consider the costs and commit to something verbally (vow) and then regret the vow or rationalize why it’s ok for us to break it. We bind and ensanare ourselves with our own words and vows in the same way that God is bound by His word. When we break our vow, we are incurring judgement on ourselves.
APPLICATION:
As Jesus says, let your “yes” be yes and “no” be no. It is truly better to not vow than to vow and not pay.
We are to live holy lives, which requires worship to God and personal sacrifice. Before vowing time, money, fasting, etc. to the Lord, count the cost and ask Him if it is His will, if it will please Him, and if it’s something we can do.
Once you have devoted something as holy to the Lord, you must be disciplined and do everything in your power to fulfill it, and ask God for grace along the way.
PRAYER:
Jesus, I love You and thank You for today. I ask forgiveness for the times I didn’t take Your word seriously, or my own. Forgive me for every word, promise, or vow I have broken. Of there is anything left undone, Holy Spirit bring it to mind and help me to do it. Help me to hard my lips and my heart, and to not make vows too quickly without counting the cost. In Your name, amen.
WORSHIP: