Psalm 101:2-3 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
As we start a new year I consider whether I should have a new year’s resolution or not. We all are well aware of the failure rate of resolutions, most last less than a month. I also have a poor track record with them myself. So, as I thought of this, I began to think in scripture about how several individuals made vows before the Lord. Now when it comes to making a vow to the Lord, this is a very serious matter. The scriptures say it is better to not vow than to break a vow. Deuteronomy 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. You may say this is old testament and we are under grace. True we are under grace but if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8); I am sure that he takes vows just as serious as in the old testament, we just face less consequences for breaking them because of grace. However, I think there is still consequences that come when we don’t keep our word to God. We may not face what many in the old testament did, but we might find life difficult compared to what it could be. Our walk and our prayers may be hindered as a result of it. But in the keeping of them there is a growth and a strength in the Lord that can only come from a heart determined to do what is right. We see this in the life of Daniel, Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel made a vow (purposed in his heart) that he would not defile himself and it changed his life by following through. As a believer we can have that same power in life if we would make some important decisions on how we will live our lives and then do it.
So, as I look at this new year, I feel that it would be proper to vow something that would help me in my walk with the Lord. Knowing that this is a serious matter but also knowing that my obedience and faithfulness to God is also a serious matter; I choose to make a vow. I also know that in this world I will need God’s help to accomplish it.
So, what is the vow that I am making? It is to watch what I expose myself to. Now I understand that there will be times it will be hard to avoid some situations such as billboards, etc. What I am talking about is situations I control such as watching tv or listening to the radio. And what criteria will I use to determine this? Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. This is a good scale to use. It may take away things that might be okay for entertainment purposes but in the end, will help me focus more on God and less on self. In a world so focused on pleasures and so little on God it would be beneficial to do something that can help me focus on the right things.
So if you haven’t made any decisions or resolutions for this year I encourage you to consider making a vow, purposing in your heart, to avoid something that may hinder your walk with God or to do something that will strengthen your relationship with Him. May God bless you through this new year.
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