Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?

…who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind….

Psalm 15:1, 4b, NIV

My grandfather, Leverne, was an old school, North Dakotan farmer. His word was his bond.

It was a word and a handshake. That is how deals were done back in his day. No paper or pen were needed. (This is what I learned from my uncles.)

So, integrity (and fidelity) are matters that cut to my bones. 

It is also why I was so blindsided by my (now) ex-wife’s infidelity. The idea was not an option I would entertain.

In my moral universe:

You keep your word. If you fail, you make it better.

That is how I was raised.

So, to this day, I find this is a pet-peeve of mine. It is SO important for me to see people follow through with their promises (or try to make it right, if not).

God expects this, too.

Such is the message we can glean from Psalm 15:4. The people allowed into His company are those who keep their promises even (and maybe especially) when it hurts.

 

 

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*A version of this post ran previously. Still a pet peeve of mine.