ANYTHING IN GOD’S NAME MUST BE FULFILLED

Exodus 20:7
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Ecc 5:4 — Ecc 5:6
(4)When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. (5)It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. (6)Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?

God’s name is used as a guarantee that a promise will be kept. God’s name is used to show how honest and genuine the person is. God’s name is like insurance from loss to the one entering into agreement with the one promising. Therefore it is only wise to advice that anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

The Bible warns in the third commandment found in Exodus 20:7, that God will not accept His name to be used in vain or to be misused. To misuse the name of God, is to make a promise in the name of God and deliberately fail to fulfil it. In future people will not trust any promise made in God’s name. God’s name must be used reverently. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

Any promise made in the name of God is a promise made to God. It must be fulfilled. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 5:5 that it is better not to vow, than vow and fail to fulfil your vow. When we don’t keep any promise made in God’s name, it annoys God. When we don’t keep any promise made in God’s name, Ecclesiastes 5:6 tells us that it is sin. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

The Jews had a practice of making vows to God in order to gain success in war or in their animal and crop farming. They would promise that if God gives me a child, I will ensure the child serves God and no other trade the rest of his/her life. They would promise that if I overcome my enemies, I will sacrifice my child or half of my wealth. They would promise that if my crops do well or if my livestock do well, a certain percentage will be given to God. Some promised out of love for God and total commitment, while others did it in a desperate moment but didn’t intend to follow through with their promise. Ecclesiastes 5:6 warns that God will get angry if a promise is not fulfilled and the very success you sought, He will undo and destroy it, therefore it is safe to fulfil your vows or your promises made in God’s name. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

Our politicians enter into office and in God’s name promise to uphold the constitution. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. Public officers claim to seek God’s help in executing their duties, “so help me God!” Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. The Bible tells us that God doesn’t look at this as routine statements or required readings in order to get into office, God takes it as a promise made to Him in person. Therefore God holds the one making the promise accountable. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

When officiating marriage, the couple promises to be faithful to each other under all extreme circumstances that life may bring. The couple at marriage promise that only death will undo their commitment. The couple at marriage even cite circumstances under which they will remain faithful, they talk of wealth and poverty, and they even talk of sickness and good health. Then in the name of God, in the presence of God, they make the marriage vow, they promise each other faithfulness. God holds them accountable to this vow long after the excitement of marriage and love has died down. God holds them accountable to this vow long after they have experienced life and lost interest in that relationship. Unless the marriage becomes abusive and life is threatened, and consequently to safeguard life they must part, God holds them accountable to that marriage until their dying day. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

People make promises in God’s name to help Opharns during funerals of their parent or parents. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. People make promises to churches on how they will support projects. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. People make promises to servants of God on how they will support their ministry very soon. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. People promise in God’s name to stand by their friends under difficult circumstances. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. Others will encourage students to go to school with a promise that they send financial support. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

People make promises after a sermon to live by what has been taught and preached to them. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled. People make vows to God when getting baptised. They promise to be permanent members of this particular church and to uphold its teachings. They may do it to get a job or a scholarship or get a marriage partner or out of momentary excitement that was not well thought out. But God takes it as permanent promise made to Him. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

For the sake of reverence of God’s name, God will see to it that a promise or a vow is kept, or the one who lied in God’s name suffers loss. That is why the third commandment tells us not to use the name of the LORD God in vain. If we are not sure of our commitment or ability to fulfil, the Bible advices that it is better not to vow. We should avoid the culture of swearing in God’s name, for that invokes the name of God in the promise being made. Ecclesiastes 5 tells us that God doesn’t take jokes in such matters. Don’t swear lightly in God’s name, don’t joke about it. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

Matthew 5:37
Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Many times if you must swear without being required to swear, it is because you are most likely lying or won’t be able to keep the promise. That is why Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:37 that anything beyond yes or no is from the evil one. If you must swear without being required, be careful, you are inviting God to be a witness and to destroy you the moment you dont fulfil that promise. Anything in God’s name must be fulfilled!

Dear God, we have made many rush promises in your name, some we remember and some we have forgotten, have mercy on us and help us to fulfil them, though we made them out of foolishness. Forgive us where we have defaulted, give us another chance, and with your help, we will fulfil those vows. Grant us wisdom to stop at yes and no without using your name when it is not required. Make us trustworthy and faithful, in Jesus name, Amen!

Note: Any vow even if made in the name of God, if it is inconsistent with the revealed will of God is invalid.