I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord. (Ps. 116:13–14)
OUR SATELLITE DISH COMPANY charged us for some equipment we weren’t told about. I called them to dispute the amount on our statement. The lady on the other end asked if we had requested work to be done. “Yes,” I replied. “Was it satisfactory?” Again, I said yes. “Then you have to pay for the parts used.” We had been told it wouldn’t cost us anything to upgrade our service, but the employee on the other end didn’t agree with me. I finally gave up. My first thought was that we wouldn’t pay that part of the bill, but when the time came, we paid the entire amount. We owed the debt according to the company, and we needed to pay what was owed.
The psalmist wanted to know how he could repay the Lord for all His goodness. He felt he owed God something, but what can you give God? The writer decided to show his appreciation by worshiping God and fulfilling his vows to the Lord. Whatever his vows were, he needed to keep them. That would be his way of repaying the Lord for His goodness.
As Christians, we have an obligation to set a good example and pay what we owe. Christ gave His all for the world. He paid a debt He did not owe.
Make a commitment to pay your debts and keep a clean record.
Vickie Phelps is a retired bookseller who enjoys reading and collecting books. She also plays the organ for her church and publishes the church bulletin.
