"You recently repented and did what was right in my eyes by proclaiming liberty, each to his neighbor, and you made a covenant before me in the house that is called by my name, but then you turned around and profaned my name when each of you took back his male and female slaves, whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your slaves." -- Jeremiah 34:15-16

"My word is my bond"! Such was the promise of trustworthy businessmen years ago. Today, the "word" has been replaced by ironclad contracts that will stand the test of legal proceedings. We might believe that times have changed, but the above passage tells us a very different story.  This was a time when an entire society could not be trusted to keep their word to the Lord.

To make a promise to the Lord is very significant thing. Solomon wrote these words about promises to God in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." Have you broken any promises lately?

From the vow made at the wedding altar to those made at re-dedication services, we all have made promises to God. Be wise and "pay what you vow" my friend. May your "word" to the Lord be your bond and may He find you as faithful to Him as He is to you.