The bible makes a promise that when we are saved we become children of God. At first we were children under God’s anger and cast away because of our sin. But now because of Jesus Christ we have a new relationship and standing with God. As God’s changes our hearts we can turn away from sin and make choices that reflect our desire for him. There is a way that God intended us to live and now we can begin to do things God’s way instead of our own. The book of Proverbs in the Bible talks about the benefit of using the wisdom of God. For example Proverbs 3:33 says, “The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.”
If this is true then why do nice guys finish last? Why is it that those who aren’t following God seem to be having a lot more fun and enjoying life way more than the Christian? We’re supposed to be blessed but instead we’re left in the dust. If you’re going to get ahead in this world you’ve got to lie, cheat, and steal your way to the top. From baseball players to housewives, no one is being honest and they still get rewarded for it. Adding salt to the wound is when a person makes the right choice they are often times laughed at and called a freak. How can it be this way? It’s not fair.
The writer of Psalm 73 writes, “But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.“What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”Look at these wicked people enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.”
Makes your blood boil doesn’t it? Where’s the justice? What good does it do for a person to follow Christ and do what is right? OK, take a deep breath. Let’s look at this from God’s perspective. This earth, where we live, is temporary. This life and the sin around us will one day come to an end. The writer of the psalm realizes this as he writes, “So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.”
Yes, it’s a messed up world we live in when the good guy finishes last and the evil guy gets away unpunished. Sometimes the good guy makes a mistake and for one mistake he gets punished worse than the bad guy. However, God sees it differently. One day judgment is going to come. It looks like the bad are getting away but in reality the countdown is happening. Those who follow Jesus and rely upon him will be rewarded. People who seem to have such a wonderful and easy life without God are in for a rough ending. You’ll either have your sins punished on the cross of Christ or you’ll suffer for eternity in hell for them. Those who get away with evil are not really getting away with anything. Hopefully some will come to their senses and be saved before the end.
God help us to not be so quick to complain but to see things from your perspective. Help us to follow you all the days of our lives.