Keeping Your Word When It Hurts

“He… sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” —Psalm 15:4

Sometimes it may cost you to keep your word. You make a commitment or promise, but circumstances may change that make it difficult for you to do what you said you’d do. You may have accepted a responsibility that becomes hard to fulfill. But because you have given your word he will see it through even if it hurts.

Our church life and relationships would be revolutionized, if we were recapture the spirit and sense of dependability described in this verse.

Several years ago we had a nationally known preacher scheduled to speak at our couple’s retreat. Then about a month before the retreat he cancelled the meeting due to his wife’s health. A couple of weeks later I was surprised when I saw an advertisement for Jack Hyles Pastor’s School and this preacher was going to be a featured speaker held during the same week of our couple’s retreat. Instead of keeping his commitment to speak at our retreat of less than 100 people, he chose to cancel us to speak at a national conference of several thousand (and probably a bigger love offering).

A person of integrity will do what they promised, even when it may cause him hurt or loss to do what they said they’d do. He will not change his word.

Can it be truly said of you that “He…sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not?” Do you do what you say, even when it may cause you some inconvenience, hurt, or loss? Or do you change your commitment when it costs you to keep it?