saturday post: standing by our words

Today's topic was a continuation of last week's topic, but going into details as laid out in Psalms 15:4-5. To answer David's question, "Who can enter God's sanctuary?" there are four characteristics a person must have:

1. One who honors God and rejects what is evil 
2. One who honors and stands by his word and promise 
3. One who does not take advantage of others in loans (usurious)
4. One who does not bribe innocents 

The first one is pretty all-encompassing, and I hope I do not belittle it by saying so. But in today's sermon, I was most affected by the second characteristic.

Because I hate the thought of people not liking me, I fall into the trap of saying things I don't necessarily mean just to please other people. Sometimes, I tell myself, "Well, the intent was there. I just can't (or didn't) follow through." It is a trap--sometimes I don't make good on the promise and let other people down. Sometimes, I don't really agree with what they say but find myself agreeing nonetheless and say otherwise to other people.

It's something I have yet to get a handle of; yet another struggle against hypocrisy. I am trying to say what I want to say and commit on what I really intend to accomplish. Of course, sometimes I still say or do the wrong things. Sometimes I also hurt people. So yes, I'm trying to figure out the balancing act. And as of press time, there's no clear result or solution to that struggle.

Wish me luck!