What are vows today?

When we discuss the sanctity of vows, it could also mean oaths.  I believe Matthew explains it best when Jesus compares vows, oaths as to do not swear in chapter 5.  Jesus said,  'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.  Very strong words as a command from our Lord, Jesus concerning oaths and swearing.  The oath / vow is very similar to when we sin, we sin against God and not against individuals.  When we make a oath / vow, it is with God and not against individuals.  There are a lot of variables in making an oath / vow according to the scriptures.  The bottom line is, if we make a vow / oath, we are required to keep the vow / oath since it is with God.  Jesus said not to swear, so what do we do in our normal lives, is when we are called to jury duty or court or legal papers, we are ask, do we swear to tell to whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Courts and legal papers gives a believer an out because they can affirm.  Just one small command, but it is an oath or vow that is equal to swearing.  Interesting.  Blessing

Stephen

(Mat 5:33-37 NIV)  "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' {34} But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; {35} or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. {36} And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. {37} Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.