 |
|
|
How many of you out there have ever wondered if a life of faith is worth it? Don’t shy away from me, because you know there have been instances in your life when the bad guys won. The world is not fair, and the concept that good always triumphs can seem like fiction when you look around and see deceit running rampant. This fallen world shows its imperfections in countless ways, and every once in a while you’re going to fall prey to it.
We’ve all found ourselves in those annoying situations where it seems that good guys do finish last. You know exactly what I mean: You get volunteered for a project because you were on vacation and weren’t there to object (and nobody stood up for you because they were too busy protecting themselves). A colleague that has a lot less responsibility makes a lot more money. The previous homeowners did the damage that you have to pay to repair – but feigned ignorance and perfectly concealed it, so are considered blameless. A coworker spends months playing politics and gets the promotion that you were, without a doubt, more qualified for. The list could go on and on, but I believe you get the picture – sometimes people get away with being deceitful.
There’s nothing more maddening to the Christian than to see somebody walk away from wrong actions unscathed. It’s even worse when you’re the one that has to pay for their mistakes. Many people have the notion that being a believer protects us from the injustices in the world. Unfortunately, that’s wrong. Although we live by a higher kingdom, we’re still stuck in a sinful, corrupt world; and that world loves to prey on believers more than anybody. For some reason, we seem to have “SUCKER” stamped on our foreheads, and some people just can’t resist aiming for that target.
Anger in these situations is certainly justified, and I believe we would benefit by learning what the Lord thinks about such behavior. Psalm 37 instructs us “Fret not yourself because of the wicked, be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb” (Psalm 37:1-2 RSV). Although it may look like people are getting away with wrong behavior, the truth is that the Lord has seen everything and intends to deal with them in a time and way that will speak to them best. Their victory is shallow, because it’s temporary. They may win the battle, but they have no hope of winning the war.
We will be mistreated from time to time, but rest assured that the victory people gain from abusing others is shallow. We are promised that they will fade and wither, and that is exactly what the end result of their efforts will be. You may never know that the person that person that plays politics for a promotion doesn’t do good work. The people that sold you a house with expensive damage will never tell you that they wound out buying a house that was damaged much worse. And don’t expect that the lazy, overpaid employee to advertise that they have so many reprimands on their record that it’s impossible for them to get another job. People that pull such stunts have a clever way of hiding it when they reap the consequences of their actions.
While your tormentors are gloating over their victory, remember, “the LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming” (Psalm 37:13 RSV). Through Christ you already have the ultimate victory, so be thankful and laugh with Him.
|
|
|
