He That sweareth to his own Hurt

Here is a phrase that is foreign to most people today: “...He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Ps. 15:4). How many people would actually make a vow today and keep it, regardless of the consequences? The average person likes to follow the path of least resistance. If their decisions cause them some grief and sorrow, then they will “turn about face” and try another way. They will recant their positions and beliefs to save themselves. This phrase would make a great epitaph for any Christian. What does it really mean?

This passage describes the true nature of a man of God. It expresses the very essence of honor, duty, integrity, and perseverance. It illuminates the honest, pure character of a soldier of the cross, and his relentless discipline to serve God at all cost. “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10). This faithfulness and undying determination to walk the ways of righteousness, shall be rewarded with eternal life. Every Christian man and women is a soldier of God’s elite army. “… But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (I Peter 2:9).

Besides the Christians, there are those that have “sworn to their own hurt, and changed not.” In the military a man or women will swear allegiance to their country, even if it cost them their life. In Iraq today, many American soldiers have died representing this country's “Declaration of Independence and Freedom.” They have joined the ranks and the honorable monuments of recognitions of so many great and valiant soldiers of centuries gone by. They stand as a memorial for their beliefs and convictions.

Unfortunately the enemy, also has their own belief and ways of life. And they too, are willing to die in vain for their “worthless” cause. There are many amoral (no concern for right or wrong) people that will live and die for no good reason or cause. How foolish they are to waist their precious life. To some life is very cheap. They fail to realize eternity waits on the other side of death, and Judgment will follow “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27). One must however admire the price one will pay for their cause or convictions.

What is worth a man or woman’s life? What is worth the sacrifice of your life? Would you give up your job, home, possessions, children and spouse, to die for your cause? Would you surrender your every physical, emotional, and temporal pleasures this world has to offer for your beliefs? If not, why not? Who or what is worthy of this reverence or esteem, that people are willing to die for?

Your life is a one time opportunity. God gave you your life, It did not come to you by chance (Gen. 1:26). Your life is precious, even more precious then all the creations that God has made in this world. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10). The things of this world will one day vanish and all that will be left is the “souls” of man kind. Our soul is so important and cherished by God that: “ he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

God has given you his ultimate sacrifice (his son). Christ has given you his ultimate sacrifice (his life on the cross). Is he not worthy to receive our ultimate sacrifice (our lives and dedication to him.?) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8:35). Who, is worth dying for: “God is, and his divine word.” Why, because there is a place you and I will go one day. A wonderful place called heaven, if we keep his commandments and reverence him (Eccl.12:13-14). What is heaven like; It is a place where there are no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Rev. 21:4). A place of eternal happiness, and where God reigns, now that is worth dying for!