My friend Shonda wrote this - I thought it was wonderful:
I am studying, and in paragraph 5 the article is referencing Ps 15:1-5 after mentioning that there are qualities that Jehovah especially values. In verse 4 (I think) one quality is "he has sworn to what is bad for himself and yet he does not alter"....
This made me think about marriage. When you get married you take a vow, yet, sometimes it turns out to be something "bad" for yourself. So, when you keep your word, in spite of that, you are being a person that is a friend to Jehovah, that can be a guest in his tent. For some reason it struck me as something very proactive and strong and dignifying. We respect someone who keeps their word in spite of circumstances. It is the other face of endurance. It is active, not passive. You are being the type of person that Jehovah wants to associate with. Because of what you do, you are one of a pretty small group that has been invited inside the tent of the ruler of the universe. You are very special, one of the privileged few.
I am now picturing a large tent in the desert, the tent of the sheikh. Filled with colorful and luxurious rugs and pillows and lanterns and terrific middle eastern food. And you are invited in because the sheikh has noticed you from the throngs and wants to talk with you. He has seen your actions, he has been watching you, he likes what he sees. Then, as you enjoy his company and the warmth of his tent while the wind howls outside, you begin to eat baklava and drink tiny cups of strong coffee. Maybe even goat cheese, since they love goats in the middle east.Lol
