Our Footing!

It is easy to complain that life isn't fair. In fact, it is a reality of life in this earthly realm. People appear to get away with wrong and those who are right suffer for it.

Jesus exhorted. . .
"(43) You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (44) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." ( Matthew 5:43-45 ESV)

Perhaps we could think that God should withhold all His blessings from the wicked. However, do we fully deserve God's blessings? Nevertheless, we do see that even the unjust receive the blessing of God's rains. Then there is the sense in which it is compounded when the unjust are seen to have taken the justs' umbrellas! Yes, life in this realm can seem so unfair. Though God's blessings are not always rightfully acknowledged, even the evil and the unjust receive some of them with the hope they would eventually recognize He is the gracious source of those blessings.

One of the psalmists looked about at all the evil going on around him and began to wonder if there was any value in being righteous. ( Psalm 73:3-14) In his thinking he saw how he "HAD ALMOST STUMBLED." ( Psalm 73:2) When he approached God he began to discern the ultimate reality of the wicked. They were not to be envied as he first began. ( Psalm 73:3) Though the wicked might appear to be doing well, their life is not on a good foundation, but rather on SLIPPERY ground. ( Psalm 73:18)

The important thing to consider is WHERE WE ARE STANDING. Rather than being envious of those who seem to be getting away with evil while our good may not always bring a good return, may we keep our focus where this psalmist ultimately placed his. We read. . .

"(23) Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. (24) You guide me with your counsel, AND AFTERWARD YOU WILL RECEIVE ME TO GLORY. (25) Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. (26) My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and MY PORTION FOREVER." ( Psalm 73:23-26 ESV)

That was where he stood. That was the place that provided a sure footing for his life. Near God he had eternal hope while those far from God would perish. ( Psalm 73:27)

We may not understand all the inequities and unfairness of life. Such is a reality of life due to many who take a self-centered rather than God-centered approach to living. We may wonder about the impact our good is having. However, let us NOT SLIP into envying the wicked. Knowing where we stand with God now encourages us of the eternal hope that is ours to come. May we continue to stand with God. Ultimately He is the One Who will sort it all out!

Have a great day KEEPING OUR FOOTING ON THE PATH WITH GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Discernment