Over a hundred years ago a newspaper editor suggested, “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” He could have no comprehension of how communication would be reduced to fragmentary tweets, nor how we would be intoxicated with a visual sea. Yet it is still with words, not images, that we make our vows.
There are vows born of sin, pain and shame, and usually made in silence. They often begin, I will never again…, and cost us dearly. These are the unholy vows that bind us, vows from which Christ came to set us free.
But of the vows we are meant to keep, Jesus is clear. He counsels against swearing oaths because those who follow him should be trustworthy: “simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Mt 5:37). What a countercultural concept in a world where lies and deceit rule the day, where binding words most often refer to legal documents, though even they may be questioned in court. A Christian’s word should carry the weight of truth and integrity.
Our ever-loving God gives us the example of always keeping his covenant even when it hurts. He promised redemption for sin, fulfilled at the price of his only Son. It is this Deep, Deep Love of Jesus—vast, unmeasured, boundless, free as the hymn says—poured into our hearts that enables us to keep our oaths even when it hurts, when it is unfair, when we must sacrifice. To keep our word in the small, seemingly insignificant daily commitments. In parenting the children and shepherding the people God has given us. In our marriages. In our baptisms. In our ordination vows. In our life in Christ, that we might be his ambassadors, bold and unwavering, no matter the cost.