_edited_edited.jpg)
Social media provides a window into the lives of others. It reveals how many live contrary to the word of God. It shows that they do so without any apparent consequence. The drug dealer has girls, money, and respect. The girl who leverages her looks has the finest designer goods and enjoys countless trips to exotic locations. Meanwhile, the believer who prioritized God's instructions can barely pay their bills.
It seems backward and hard to understand but the scriptures provide crucial insight. Insight to keep the believer walking in the way of the Lord and not become like the wicked - those who do not obey God.
The Bible states in Isaiah 48:22 - “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” When God says the wicked have no peace, He means it. And because Jesus said that the scriptures can neither be broken nor ignored in John 10:35, you should believe the scriptures. Thus, no matter how good things seem for those who do not observe God's instructions, the truth is they have no peace because they are wicked. Ignore the fabulous life they present. It is nothing but 'packaging' and does not reflect their reality.
Why would someone try to make others think things are rosier than they are? Again, there's a Bible verse for that. Proverbs 21:29 - The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. These individuals don't reveal the sleepless nights caused by hauntings, the medication needed to function each day, the choices made that eat at their soul, and much more. They seem to have everything but in private they confess they feel empty.
Unfortunately, so many believers have looked at the packaging and decided that the sacrifices of living for God were not worth it. They thought the time spent waiting on God for change in their lives had been a waste of time. They forgot Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company. Instead, they chose the 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach and turned away from the faith.
To prevent this, God will sometimes not give a person access to the life of those who wronged them. He knows that if His child sees the packaged lie of their enemy, they will think that His promise of vengeance will never come to pass. And if that happens they will compromise and become the very person who hurt them. Then, God's promises for them will be forfeited because He has sworn not to bless the wicked. It is also why the contrary can be true. Occasionally, God will not allow a person to see the struggles of their enemy when His cup of wrath is in their hand. He does this so they won't sin by gloating and thereby miss His further blessings (Proverbs 24:17-18).
The Bible teaches in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like ours. Everything He does is much higher and thus not easily comprehended by mortal beings. Therefore, let us be humble enough to believe His word that what we see is not the fullness of what that thing or person is. John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. Remember, God sees down to the most minuscule part of an individual (1 Samuel 16:7). Their outer appearance is not hidden from him. And He wants us to be the same way. After all, Genesis 1:27 tells us we were made in His image, we have the mind of Christ per 1 Corinthians 2:16 and carry a deposit of His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Stop thinking that you understand what you see with your eyes. Don't think the grass is greener on the other side. Life is much longer and more complex than you think. Your carnal mind will not get you to heaven so please do not turn away from God, His ways, and His wisdom no matter how tough things get. Do not think that people who don't submit to God have it easy - they don't. Walk humbly with your God and obey His commands because that way, you will enjoy the fullness of life and eternity with Him in heaven. God bless you.
To learn more on today's topic, please read:
