Psalm 15
1O LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
2Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart;
3who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
4in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
but who honor those who fear the LORD;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
5who do not lend money at interest,
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.
…who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
When I hear stories of people who endured torture or death rather than deny God, I’m filled with admiration for their faith. I also find myself wondering if I would have the courage and conviction to do the same.
Where is the line that I won’t cross? When I was confirmed, I promised to live according to the promises made on my behalf in Baptism. Those promises include loving and serving everyone according to the example of Jesus. They also include striving for justice and peace in all the world. Throughout my life, I’ve made other promises – when I was married, when I was ordained, when I recite the Pledge of Allegiance, etc…
Is it even possible to stand by all of those oaths at the same time, let alone “even to my hurt”? Of course it isn’t. I’m a sinful human beings living among other sinful human beings. What I can do is strive to honor God at all times. Any oath that violates God’s command to love God and our neighbor invalidates itself.
Prayer: Lord God: Help me filter all my promises through your law of love. AMEN