Psalm 15

"Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?"

Psalm 15 is the call to holiness, a call to be a righteous person, a blameless person.   These are things spoken of that may not make us popular with the world, or may get us financially ahead in life, or may prosper us with a new car or anything like that.   These are people that are given the honor of worshiping in the sanctuary of the Lord.   For those of us who understand that our purpose in life is to worship the Lord, these are some things that David points out, that allow us the honor to worship the Lord.

These are all good things to do, I think most people would agree with the list of Psalm 15.  But I like vs 4's answer to who can worship in the sanctuary of the Lord ...

"Those who despise flagrant sinners,

 and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts."

Keeping our promises, even when it hurts.  Can't help but smile as I read this, because it's so true.   Have we made promises to people that we realize that maybe we shouldn't have?   Do we go back on promises that we make because of how tough it is to keep?   Think of the context of marriage, or friendship, or family.    Maybe this goes to a commitment we made to help someone, but we backed out at the last minute, because if we kept that promise, we would lose something in the process.    You can use the example of helping someone move, and you promised them that you would, but as the day approaches you renege on that promise so that you could attend a hockey game with your friends.

The hardest part about being a Christian sometimes is realizing that we are set apart, that we are called to holiness, and righteousness.  Sometimes the cost of that includes some discomfort in our lives.   But the payoff is worth it isn't it?   Like the finish line at the end of a grueling foot race, and you know that if you keep on going, there is a trophy to be won.