"Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” I’ll tell
you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows."- Malachi 2:13-14(NLT).
A significant action that takes place during a wedding is the exchange of marital vows between the individuals involved. A vow is a solemn promise characterized by deep sincerity. It is more of a spiritual exercise than a physical or emotional exercise. Though it is witnessed by many, the ultimate witness is God, who takes every of our words seriously. It means that even when those who stood as our witness forgets what you said, It is always fresh with God, and he holds us responsible for our words when we go against it.
While some people use ring to symbolize their wedding, some use the bible. Either of these should serve as a reminder to us that we should do all we can to abide by our vows. If individuals in marriage constantly remind themselves that their marriage vow is sacred, and it is neither a poem that is chanted carelessly by children, nor a past tense but a present perfect continuous tense, a lot of spouses will not be misbehaving in marriage.
When you make a vow, it means you must do all you can do to fulfill it. Don't let the society, tradition, friends, parents, challenges or anything stop you from fulfilling it. It takes hardwork, not of the man alone, but also the wife because it takes two to tango.
So, whenever you are tempted to lust after a lady that is prettier than her (there will certainly be one), remember your vow. When you see a man that is richer or more handsome than him, remember your vow. When there seems to be a delay in childbirth, remember your vow. When you are provoked and tempted to raise your hands on her, remember your vow.
Do we still remember our vows? Lets reflect on them, and check if we are still abiding by it. It doesnt end when you said it on the altar. The action actually starts from there. Because you promised to love in health and sickness, you promised to honour your spouse with your body, you promised to cherish, adore and protect your spouse. So, whether you exchanged the vow in your sitting room, the church, the registry, or wherever, the Lord is aware of it, and expects you to do all you can to fulfill it.
"It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it."-Ecclesiastes 5:5.