March 12

DON'T ENVY THE WICKED
by Ray Prinzing

"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  For I was envious at the foolish.  When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.  Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  For all day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. - When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."  
                                                                                       (Psalm 73:2-3, 12-14, 16-17).

The child of God needs to be on constant guard lest the doubts creep in, and the pressures of the temporal obscure the reality of that which is age-abiding.  The fiery trials waxed ever hotter, there was no relief in sight, then we looked at others who were lukewarm or cold in heart, going merrily on their way, not testing, no cross, and we are tempted to become envious of their prosperity.

Surely, it is vain to compare our walk with that of the world.  Once the call of God has been placed within, the seed begins, no more are we to be a part of this world, but "our conversation is in heaven."  (Philippians 3:20).  That is, we are governed by the realm of the heavenlies, of the spiritual.  And we, also, need to become reconciled to the fact that we are a part of god's present minority, election of grace.

Hereafter, your path will be different.  There is no outward standard for comparison, nothing natural by which to judge your progress or to measure your spiritual state.  You are entirely in HIS HANDS, to be His workmanship and He will mold and shapen as He wills.  Henceforth your prayer will be, "not my will, but thine be done." (Luke 22:42), or, more literally from the Greek, Thy will become."  For we are to become the full expression of His will on earth.

We do well to spend time in HIS PRESENCE - to renew a proper perspective, hold the right priorities, and receive the joy and peace which He imparts.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His
wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow
strangely dime in the light of His glory and grace."