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An Application of Psalm 15

Psalm 15:4 states

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

I knew someone who seemed like a nice person and I offered to let him preach during an upcoming vacation.  After that offer was given, we had a falling out.  So what do I do?

According to this Scripture, I made a promise.  That promise was made without duress.  Then the situation changed and if I continue with my promise, it will "hurt".  Not physically, but I will let someone who seems to not like me very much, into my pulpit.

The point of Psalm 15 is that godly people, people who want to have a close relationship with God will be people who keep their word.  Even if the  situation changes.  If I withdraw the invitation, then I am being disobedient to this Scripture.  The issue is not theological, but personal.  That is why the "hurt" will be emotional, my pride will be hurt.  That is something for me to consider.  Just because someone treated me poorly, does that allow me to break fellowship with them?  There are conflicts in Scripture and Paul does not seem to want church splits over verbal altercations.  Christians need to be thick skinned.

It is times like this and choices like this that test the commitment of God’s people.

My conclusion was to ask him and let him decide.  I will abide by whatever he wants.  If he wants to come to my church, I will let him.  If he sees the problem and gracefully bows out, then I will find another person to fill my pulpit.  If he comes and preaches, I will be away, so I will trust God.



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