The Grand Illusion today is that those who thumb their nose at God, ignore his injunctions, and go after what they want, any way they want it, are the real winners in life. Often they are the beautiful, gifted people who enjoy life’s privileged pleasures – all with seemingly painless ease. And I, this struggling pilgrim of Christ, sweat it out making house payments, staying out of sin, raising my kids biblically, and living a life of integrity before God in my business affairs. In a word, I try to color inside the lines. And often, I do it with little appreciation, recognition, or reward. Asap, the Psalmist observes these seemingly free spirits, who appear to soar above us mortals:
· “They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
· They aren't troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else.
· They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of 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…Look at these arrogant people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” (Psa. 73:4-9,12 NLT)
The Grand Seduction: I have to admit that there are times when I am a bit envious of them! Asap continues:
· “Does God realize what is going on…Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?
· Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong? All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
- But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
- Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.” (Psa. 73:2,3, 21,22 NLT
The Grand Reality: Asap concludes by putting it all in perspective:
- They are under God’s judgment: “So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about 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, swept away by terrors. Their present life is only a dream that is gone when they awake. When you arise, O Lord, you will make them vanish from this life…But those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.” (Psa. 73:16-20,27 NLT
- God will lovingly guide me through my earthly sojourn: “Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever…But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psa. 73:23-26, 28 NLT)
PRAYER: “Lord, amidst the crushing seductions and pressures of the world that would sweep me away into the mainstream of self-indulgence, grant me the grace to maintain your eternal perspective in order to remain true to you and the God-given convictions you have impressed upon my heart. Whatever the cost. Amen. “
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
R. Dwight Hill
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